Notching Patents (Class 83/917)
  • Patent number: 8286353
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an outer retainer for a one-way clutch having an outward flange at one side edge thereof involves punching out a part of an annular portion having the outward flange by sliding a punch toward an axis of the outer retainer substantially in an axially inner direction from a retainer outer periphery-sided curve portion of the outward flange to a retainer inner periphery-sided curve portion thereof in a way that uses a die and the punch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Toshio Nagata, Hiroki Segawa, Hideki Oki, Seiji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8069757
    Abstract: A cast-cutter for use in removing a cast from a patient comprises a body (20), cutting means (18, 148, 230) supported by the body (20), and a protection member (16, 204, 206, 236, 244) supported by the body (20) and adapted to be positioned between the cutting means (18, 148, 230) and the patient, to protect the skin of the patient. In one disclosed embodiment the cutting means cuts a cast by a shearing action. In another disclosed embodiment the cutting means cuts a cast by an abrading action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Ross, George Miller
  • Patent number: 7913602
    Abstract: A method for cutting a ribbon of rubber-coated fabric includes dragging a free end of the ribbon past a working position of a punching device, forming a notch between two adjacent reinforcing cords of the ribbon using the punching device, moving a counter-blade of the punching device away from the working position, inserting at least one cutting blade through the notch, and performing first and second cuts of the ribbon. An associated apparatus includes a punching device and a cutting device. The punching device includes an incision tool, an abutting counter-blade, and control devices for moving the incision tool and the abutting counter-blade toward and away from the ribbon. The cutting device includes at least one cutting blade and a control device for moving the at least one cutting blade toward and away from the ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pietro Dale', Stefano Bellini
  • Patent number: 7631586
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting tool which can easily prevent damage from occurring at the slit end formed on a sheet material, such as a corrugated sheet or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Kinki Knives Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyonobu Agata, Kozo Agata
  • Patent number: 7617756
    Abstract: An index cutter (I) forms a thumb index on a sheet. The index cutter (I) includes: a flat plate-shaped first base member (1) having a first blade portion; and a flat plate-shaped second base member (2) rotatable coupled to the first base member (1) and having a second blade portion. When the first base member (1) and the second base member (2) are rotated relatively to each other, a part of the sheet is cut by the first blade portion and the second blade portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Makoto Noguchi, et al.
    Inventors: Makoto Noguchi, Yasuhisa Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7546793
    Abstract: A system and method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wooden lineal material. The lineal material is notched at intervals calculated to include a stretch treatment and folded to form window components such as window sashes, frames, and the like. Internal reinforcing members may be welded within the joints formed by folding at the notches. The notching system and method provide low cost, highly reliable, low defect production of multi-sided window components from a continuous piece of lineal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Frank LaSusa
  • Patent number: 7484446
    Abstract: Novel modifications to a standard Pro-lok Blue Punch manual punch press machine have been developed which permit the modified machine to accurately and consistently cut Sargent brand L and R series keys to code. Modifications to the same machine are presented such that both Sargent L and R series keys may be cut to code on the same Pro-lok Blue Punch manual punch press machine. Primary features of the modifications are (1) moving the indexing stops from the lower jaw to the upward facing surface of the die and (2) providing two indexing stops on the die such that each stop is laterally positioned on opposite sides of the punch from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Theodore Gula
  • Patent number: 7360757
    Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning an edge of a stack of sheets to be bound so that sheets having coated surfaces and the like can be reliably bound. The apparatus includes a stack clamping mechanism configured to secure the stack of sheets and a piercing member configured to produce a piercing action substantially in a piercing plane. Also provided is a positioning mechanism configured to control relative movement of the stack clamping mechanism and the piercing mechanism so that the sheets of the stack pass through the piercing plane, with the drive mechanism being configured to drive the piercing member into the edge of the stack at least once for each sheet of the stack passing through the piercing plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Powis Parker Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Parker, Harold P. Hocking, Eugene E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7219586
    Abstract: A cutter 10 having a support member 12, a handle member 30 which is movably coupled to the support member 12, and a pair of cutting members 39, 40 which are attached to the handle member 30. The cutter 10 includes a support member 20 which receives a metal stud member 24. The cutting members 39, 40 selectively and cooperatively cut or sever the operatively and stationarily received metal stud member 24 when the handle member 30 is moved to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Martin Daniels
  • Patent number: 7201089
    Abstract: A feeder for feeding flat products to a conveyor device includes a magazine for storing the products, a separating device for separating the products from the magazine and a device for producing an index in the products. A gatherer-stitcher includes a plurality of the feeders. A method is provided for producing an index cut in a product being fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Lutz Richter
  • Patent number: 7201101
    Abstract: A punch includes a jig having four punching regions, each punching region having a pattern hole and a concave embossment; guide columns extended upward from a border of the punching regions on the jig; a base for fixing the jig; a punching member punching and embossing the rectangular corner of a sheet member with vertically moving against the jig by guidance of the guide columns; and an elastic body to elastically bias the punching member upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: DN Craft Corporation
    Inventor: Wan-Young Oh
  • Patent number: 7117576
    Abstract: A method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wood material is provided. This invention provides a low cost, highly reliable, low defect method of producing window components by machining from a singular piece of material, providing bendable portions, with angled portions adapted to fit together to define a wide range of window shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: VinylLink, LLC
    Inventor: Frank LaSusa
  • Patent number: 7114423
    Abstract: A tool is provided for notching an end of a pipe. A punch is provided with a first cutting edge opposite a second cutting edge. The punch is coupled to a punch holder which is configured to move vertically relative to a collar supported upon a base. A pipe support provides a preferred form of die to hold the pipe adjacent the punch. The pipe support includes a first edge, second edge, third edge and fourth edge which can be selectively presented for supporting the end of the pipe adjacent the punch. The first cutting edge and second cutting edge of the punch can be selectively provided for cutting the notch in the pipe. The punch and pipe support are preferably both re-orientable to select various different edges for supporting and cutting the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Donald R. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7100487
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for punching a guide notch in a polymeric zipper having a male and female track with respective fins. The method includes sliding the zipper into position in a punch housing and punching a guide notch into the zipper. The guide notch is defined by a plurality of edges in the zipper, which are guided out of the punch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron L. Strand
  • Patent number: 7080538
    Abstract: A notching, shearing, and hemming tool constructed with a table which receives the roofing panel, at least two notching devices (notchers), a pan shear pivotally mounted on the table, and a hemming tool pivotally mounted on the table. To prepare a finished end piece of roofing panel, the roofing panel is placed in a panel alignment section at a first end of the tool. Each of the notching devices is movable, so that the relative position of the two notchers is variable. After notching, the roofing panel is moved to the pan shear, which is set at the proper angle by movement of a lever mechanism connected to the notchers. The roofing panel is sheared along a center line of the notched area. This cut leaves a tongue of the flat pan of the roofing panel exposed on each cut piece. Following the shearing operation, the user is left with two cut panels, each having an exposed tongue section an inch-and-a-half long extending from the pan section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Swenson Shear
    Inventor: Brent Neudorf
  • Patent number: 7059226
    Abstract: A finger-operated page turning device for stacked sheets, with methods, apparatus for forming the device as sets offset voids or notches in alternating pages of a stack. The device is operated by simple movements of the thumb and/or fingers of a user's one hand while holding the stack in a curved configuration in the user's other hand. The apparatus includes rotary cutting machines for web sheet material, as well as both computer controlled and hand punches for individual sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventors: Edward E. Alon, Bradford T. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7011007
    Abstract: In an apparatus for cutting pattern pieces and creating apertures in sheet-type work material a frame has a support surface mounted thereon for carrying at least one layer of the work material. A carriage is coupled to the frame for movement back-and-forth there along a first coordinate direction in response to commands issued from a controller. A cutting head is mounted to the carriage and moves in a second coordinate direction along the carriage approximately perpendicular to the first coordinate direction. A rotary die is coupled to the cutting head and at least one cutting tool is mounted to the rotary die. The cutting tool includes a shaped cutting portion corresponding to the shape of an aperture to be formed in the work material. During operation the rotary die is movable between a working position wherein the cutting tool engages the work material and a non-working position wherein the rotary die is positioned away from the work material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Gerber Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Darryl C. Stein
  • Patent number: 6941848
    Abstract: A bar notch (3) in the side of a side member (1) and a shaping cut (4) at the end of a cross member (2) for the bar jointing of a side member (1) with a member (2) in workpieces of wood, plastics or MDF—medium density fiberboard—produced by a punching or shearing operation consisting of a first step—a preliminary cut—and a second step—a final cut. A machine for implementation of the cutting operation comprises a knife head (9) for two side knives (10) and a nose knife (11), a table (14) and a rest (13), a first set of adjustable guide members (17) that can set the position of the knife head (9) in relation to the workpiece (1) or (2) which is to be processed, a second set of adjustable guide members (23) for setting of the mutual distance between the cross member notches (3) and a third guide member (29), which can serve as an end stop for the end of the cross member (2) during the shearing process of a cross member shaping (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: DAN-LIST A/S Maskinfabrik
    Inventor: Agner Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20040118258
    Abstract: The invention is in the field of adhesive binding of sheet-form printed materials arranged in stacks and, in particular, is directed to a method and device of the type that cuts side edges of sheet-form printed materials with tool. According to various aspects of the invention, a tool having a cutting edge and a notching element is provided as well as a method of making the tool, and a method of changing a depth of notching by changing an angle of rotation relative to a cutting plane is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Dera, Helmut Domes, Michael Freund, Frank Grueneberg, Andreas Schweizer
  • Publication number: 20040016335
    Abstract: For the notching of a book block spine, formed with compressed signatures, a notching tool is provided that rotates around a pivoting axis, approximately perpendicular to the book block spine, and which comprises cutting teeth for cutting into the book block spine while the book block is passing by along the conveying path for a perfect binder. The cutting teeth are attached to a disc-shaped carrier on the notching tool, so as to protrude on the front. The carrier of the notching tool is provided with at least two opposite-arranged cutting teeth, which are oriented at an acute angle to a circular cutting plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Muller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Horst Knoetig
  • Patent number: 6675686
    Abstract: A bar notch (3) in the side of a side member (1) and a shaping cut (4) at the end of a cross member (2) for the bar jointing of a side member (1) with a member (2) in workpieces of wood, plastics or MDF—medium density fibreboard—produced by a punching or shearing operation consisting of a first step—a preliminary cut—and a second step—a final cut. A machine for implementation of the cutting operation comprises a knife head (9) for two side knives (10) and a nose knife (11), a table (14) and a rest (13), a first set of adjustable guide members (17) that can set the position of the knife head (9) in relation to the workpiece (1) or (2) which is to be processed, a second set of adjustable guide members (23) for setting of the mutual distance between the cross member notches (3) and a third guide member (29), which can serve as an end stop for the end of the cross member (2) during the shearing process of a cross member shaping (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dan-List A/S Maskinfabrik
    Inventor: Agner Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6666063
    Abstract: A process system and produces metal sheets, including electric sheets, and uses at least one sheet machining unit, particularly a notching device. One or more linear transfer devices or more one sheet stacking devices, one or more sheet feeding unit and one or more sheet removal devices are being configured for stacking at least one sheet metal blank, centering and/or orienting at least one sheet metal blank, (c) at least one of notching at least one sheet metal blanks, separate and/or remove one or more interior sheet metal parts, and deposit the one or more notched sheet metal blanks and/or depositing the one or more interior sheet metal parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Schuler Pressen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Pick, Otto Kurz, Alfred Bareis, Thomas Moeller
  • Patent number: 6640684
    Abstract: In a device for cutting single blister packs from a blister band, a cutting member acts in a longitudinal direction with respect to the blister band, along the longitudinal edges thereof, so as to cut side extending strips of the blister band which extend beyond the length of the blister pack being produced. Cut out elements operate in alignment with a cutting line of the cutting member to cut shaped pieces of the blister band, so as to define corner zones of the blister packs. Shearing means operate crosswise to the blister band, in alignment with the corner zones defined by the cut out means, to separate single blister packs. The position of the cutting means and cut out means and/or the shearing means can be adjusted to produce blister packs having different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine
    Inventor: Claudio Betti
  • Patent number: 6640602
    Abstract: A device for simultaneously forming multiple notches in opposing surfaces of a hollow workpiece in a single action. The device includes a first die and a first punch that is fixed relative to the first die. A second die and a second punch are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the first punch and first die. In response to movement of the second die and second punch, the first die cooperates with the second punch to form a first notch in the first surface and the first punch cooperates with the second die to form a second notch in the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: SSD Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Estes
  • Publication number: 20030051588
    Abstract: A tube-forming device for notching and/or punching a tubular work piece includes a work piece holder to hold the tubular work piece, a tool insertable into an end of the work piece; a tool holder to hold the tool, and a dual action cam assembly to alternately drive the tool in first and second directions to engage the tool with first and second sides of the work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Charles J. Rice
  • Publication number: 20030010175
    Abstract: A cutting device for shingles that cuts shingles at angles. Several blades, each on pressure plates, are forced into engagement with shingles by rollers that engage one side of the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Randall D. Cohan, Jill Susann Cohan
  • Patent number: 6487887
    Abstract: A working apparatus for band blade provided with a bender for bending a band blade into a predetermined configuration, and a cutter cutting the band blade. The cutter is positioned successively after the bender. And, a working method for band blade having a bending process in which a band blade is bent into a predetermined configuration, and a cutting process in which the band blade is cut. The cutting process is successively conducted after the bending process is previously conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Suntex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Yamada
  • Publication number: 20020157511
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and apparatus to prepare trim cap material for bending, the apparatus comprising at least one notcher and at least one dimpler employed: (1) to notch the trim cap material to facilitate bending, but ensuring that the notch is not so large or deep so as to result in cracking when the trim cap material is bent resulting in unsightly appearance and performance deficiencies when the trim cap is installed as part of a completed sign and (2) to dimple the trim cap material so that the dimple is visible from both sides of the trim cap material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Randolph M. Linenberger
  • Publication number: 20020152865
    Abstract: In a device for cutting single blister packs from a blister band, a cutting member acts in a longitudinal direction with respect to the blister band, along the longitudinal edges thereof, so as to cut side extending strips of the blister band which extend beyond the length of the blister pack being produced. Cut out elements operate in alignment with a cutting line of the cutting member to cut shaped pieces of the blister band, so as to define corner zones of the blister packs. Shearing means operate crosswise to the blister band, in alignment with the corner zones defined by the cut out means, to separate single blister packs. The position of the cutting means and cut out means and/or the shearing means can be adjusted to produce blister packs having different sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Claudio Betti
  • Patent number: 6443042
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming notches on the edge of a slat; e.g. a wood slat. The apparatus includes a feeding station to feed a slat to a punching station that locates the slat along a longitudinal edge and a leading edge of the slat. A stripper plate positively locates the slat within the punch prior to the notches being punched. A pair of punches having a beveled region with a v-shaped cutout are used to form the lift hole notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Caputo, Thomas Buttitta, Richard L. Scott
  • Publication number: 20020053269
    Abstract: A bar notch (3) in the side of a side member (1) and a shaping cut (4) at the end of a cross member (2) for the bar jointing of a side member (1) with a member (2) in workpieces of wood, plastics or MDF—medium density fibreboard—produced by a punching or shearing operation consisting of a first step—a preliminary cut—and a second step—a final cut. A machine for implementation of the cutting operation comprises a knife head (9) for two side knives (10) and a nose knife (11), a table (14) and a rest (13), a first set of adjustable guide members (17) that can set the position of the knife head (9) in relation to the workpiece (1) or (2) which is to be processed, a second set of adjustable guide members (23) for setting of the mutual distance between the cross member notches (3), and a third guide members (29), which can serve as an end stop for the end of the cross member (2) during the shearing process of a cross member shaping (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Agner Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6357327
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting a resin-coated metal pipe. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart pairs of holding members for holding the pipe. First and second cut-off blades are movable between the pairs of holding members for making substantially diametrically opposed pre-cuts in the pipe. The cutting members move substantially in the same tangential direction to substantially balance rotational forces on the pipe. A cut blade then is penetrated through the pipe from the one pre-cut to the other to provide a clean precise cut in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Fumihiko Shiozaki, Fujio Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010035083
    Abstract: A unidirectional and bidirectional optical fiber couplers using polymer optical fibers having mirrors formed within the polymer optical fibers for reflecting optical signals. The mirrors comprise a notch having at least one surface angled with respect to the central axis of the optical fiber for reflecting the optical signal perpendicular to its central axis. A unidirectional embodiment allows input optical signals to be coupled from any combination of input optical fibers and transmitted into any combination of output optical fibers. A bidirectional embodiment allows optical signals from tapping fibers to be reflected in opposite directions along a first, or BUS optical fiber. Another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus and method for controlling the depth of the notch by monitoring residue power through the optical fibers while the notch is being cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: NEC RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Fasanella, Yao Li, Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 6273975
    Abstract: A method for producing a metal strip which reduces the risk of the strip breaking over the course of a path, the strip being conveyed under stress in the strip direction and in which, in an upstream feed path of the metal strip, defects in the edges of the strip are detected and then measures are taken to reduce the risk of these defects causing the strip to break, in which method the strip is provided, in the region of the detected defect, with at least one notch in the strip direction, at a distance which is further away from the edge of the strip than the maximum dimension of the defect transversely with respect to the strip direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Corus Technology B.V.
    Inventor: Frits Van Der Meulen
  • Patent number: 6267037
    Abstract: An underwater apparatus for servicing subsea pipelines provides a telescoping frame which can be lowered to the vicinity of the pipeline. The frame has an open section so that it can straddle the pipeline and outer jacket and fixate itself releasably so that it can be selectively repositioned. A cutting apparatus is secured to a telescoping sub frame. The cutting structure can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the sub frame, as well as advanced along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the frame due to the telescoping feature of the sub frame. The cutting structure can also be moved pivotally about an axis of rotation which is outside and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. Thus, combining the telescoping feature with the pivoting feature and the feature of being able to rotate about the longitudinal axis, a variety of different cuts can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Jr., Luis J. Gutlerrez
  • Patent number: 6210108
    Abstract: A wall first portion of an article is provided with reduced tensile stress, of an amount less than that which can result in cracking of the wall, with an elongated opening through the wall first portion. The opening separates areas of a wall first portion and extends generally toward a wall second portion under a lower or different stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Susan E. Ebacher
  • Patent number: 6125520
    Abstract: In a process and apparatus for forming parts from a sheet of metal stock material so that they can be separated by a shake-and-break operation, elongated holes are punched in the sheet to separate the first part from the second part except at at least one shake-and-break location. At the shake-and-break location, a frusto-conical shape punch and die punch an opening on either side of a center tab connecting the parts. The wider ends of the frusto-conical shape holes face the tab, and the narrower ends adjoin the elongated holes and have the same width as such holes. In such a manner, the points where ends of the tab connect to the first and second parts are located in recesses located to the outside of the edges of the elongated holes. When the pieces are subsequently separated in a shake and break process, any residual burrs from where the tabs separate from the parts are located in the recesses, rather than along the edges of the part, and do not need to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Thyssen Elevator Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy W. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 6029553
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a plurality of sequentially arranged edged contoured slats for use in a blind. A strip of material 10 is provided lengthwise into the slat making machine. It passes through a forming unit 6 where it is cambered, into an accumulator 8 where any excess is held, through a position encoder 12 and over a collision detector 14. Edge contours are then cut into the strip material if they are not already pre-provided. The positions of any edge contours are detected by a sensor 18 which provides relevant information to a CPU 40. On the basis of this information and other pre-provided information on the type of blind being made guide holes and notches and the ends of the slats are cut ensuring that the contouring and the guide holes and ends do not interfere with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Berntsson, Peter Gawell
  • Patent number: 5964137
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting notches in the ends of metal or plastic pipes and tubes, the apparatus being a bantam twin pipe notcher, comprising a base plate with alignment pins for mounting to a press; the base plate further including two vertical parallel die holders wherein a spring-loaded punch holder with a cutting tool and die blocks are mounted therebetween. The opposite ends of the cutting tool has cutting ends of different radii or shapes for notching two different size pipes or tubes without interchanging the tool and die combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: William Emil Jung
  • Patent number: 5943933
    Abstract: A cutting mechanism for accurately cutting a notch in a piece of edging, to permit sharp bending of the piece of edging for a picture or plaque, is disclosed. The cutting mechanism comprises a jig secured to a base member, the jig being dimensioned to receive the piece of edging clamped thereto. A cutting blade is mounted on the base member for reciprocating movement between a first retracted position whereat the cutting blade is remote from the jig and a second fully extended position whereat the cutting edge has passed through the jig. The cutting blade has an inverted "V"-shaped cutting edge comprising two blade portions joined one to the other at a central vertex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventors: Murray Evans, Thomas Thomas
  • Patent number: 5937518
    Abstract: A finished workpiece of malleable metal containing a saw cut which does not require deburring because the small burr on the exit side of the cut is concealed within a three sided notch. An elongated notch, closed on three sides, is formed on the side of the blank workpiece from which the saw blade exits. The depth of the cut is adjusted so that the bottom of the cut, together with its attendant burr, intersects with the notch. The burr is thus attached to a wall within the notch. The width of the notch is adjusted so that the anticipated tolerance in the depth of the cut (and thus the location of the bottom of the cut) is accommodated. The width of the notch is such that the bottom of the cut will intersect the notch at any location within the anticipated tolerance envelope. The depth of the notch is sufficient to conceal the burr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: International Electronic Research Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Steiner
  • Patent number: 5901625
    Abstract: An apparatus is arranged to construct a reclosable zipper attached to a polymeric web. The zipper has a female profile with first and second elongated legs substantially perpendicular to the web and a channel therebetween. The apparatus includes a punch wheel having a first surface for supporting a first portion of the web on a first side of the zipper. The punch wheel includes a plurality of projecting punches for engaging the channel between the first and second legs of the female profile and for exerting a punch force through the first leg to remove slugs from the first leg. The apparatus includes a die wheel adjacent to and coaxially aligned with the punch wheel. The die wheel has a second surface for supporting a second portion of the web on a second side of the zipper and has a plurality of voids for receiving the punches. The punch wheel includes a cam for pushing the punch, and the first and second surfaces are tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. May
  • Patent number: 5873292
    Abstract: An improved elongated holddown bar for use in conjunction with a power corner notcher having a table which defines a horizontal working surface. The notcher includes a clamp means adjustably positionable on, and connectable to, the table atop the work surface which immobilizes the holddown bar in a selected position to establish either of two upright side edges of the holddown bar against which a piece of sheet metal may be positioned. One of these edges includes a recess formed entirely therealong which defines a recessed upright abutting surface and a horizontal holddown surface spaced above the working surface a height substantially equal to the thickness of the sheet metal whereby the notching operation into the edge of the sheet metal cannot substantially buckle or distort the edge of the sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: James A. Goese
  • Patent number: 5845553
    Abstract: The invention is a stator lamination jig system which comprises a centrally located spindle and a support for a stator lamination having a plurality of holes therein. The support is rotatively-mounted on the spindle for driving the lamination during a notching operation. A plate is included to secure the lamination on the support and a non-rotatable ejector is located below the support which has a lowered position and a raised position. An ejection cylinder is seated upon the ejector which is shaped and positioned to extend through holes in the support. The invention also comprises a cylinder connected to the ejector for driving the ejector. When the cylinder is actuated upwards, the ejector is in a raised position which urges the ejection cylinder through the holes in the support to cause the lamination to be released from the jig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Dayton-Phoenix Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gale A. Kooken, John W. Murphy, Roger D. Fleming
  • Patent number: 5775189
    Abstract: A cutting head is provided also with a notching blade to enable it to cut a length shorter than the blade width of a round blade. In order to eliminate the need for compressed air supplying equipment and simplify the mechanism thereby to make it compact and light weight, an angular displacement servo motor is used as a common drive source for causing angular displacement of the round blade and angular displacement of the notching blade. A cam motor causes a round blade cam and a notching blade cam to make angular displacement thereby to selectively cause the round blade and the notching blade to work on sheet material placed on a cutting table an cut it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Ikoma, Reiji Arikita
  • Patent number: 5740713
    Abstract: A notch cutter provides a first pair of inwardly facing shear edges in a V. A second pair of outwardly facing shear edges make an almost complementary V with a slightly smaller convergence angle. One pair of shear edges is caused to contact respective ones of the other pair along contact points moving from the entrance of the notch to the apex of the notch. One pair of shear edges is resiliently mounted relative to the other. When used to separate strips and form the ends of the separated strips, the V's of the first and second edge pairs may be truncated since the shear edges need only be wider than the strips on which they act to form their separating and edge shaping functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Lothar Korb
  • Patent number: 5724246
    Abstract: An arrangement for the controlled notching and placement of components, such as studs, wall plates, shelves and furniture. The arrangement includes a support for supporting the components. A notcher is carried by the support for selectively notching the components bought into contact therewith. A traveling pusher is movably carried by the support for horizontal movement thereof in a first direction towards the notcher and in a second opposite direction away from the notcher. The components are marked with an appropriate code for subsequent assembly. A cutoff saw is carried by the support, such that the notcher is positioned between the cutoff saw and the traveling pusher. A computer coordinates and controls the operation and movement of the traveling pusher, the notcher and the cutoff saw, the marking and the ejecting of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Edwin Dean Heil
  • Patent number: 5720211
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for producing from existing keys a set of blanked keys each having a reduced equivalent size head. A carrying case permits ready concealment of the blanked keys on the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Leslie L. Cahan
  • Patent number: 5689986
    Abstract: A plurality of successively spaced notches are formed in a side edge of a metal strip by first and second adjustably positionable dies prior to roll forming of the strip to a formed configuration. After roll forming, fingers engage selected edges of the notches to detect a notch length dimension and a full part length dimension. Sensors detect the position of the fingers and generate output signals to a controller which generates an adjustment signal based on the switch conditions to adjustably position the first and second dies to accommodate any elongation of the metal strip during roll forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: John F. Jacobs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5685212
    Abstract: A key punch apparatus is provided for selectively removing notches of material from a key blank. The apparatus includes a punch and die subassembly which is rotatable between first and second positions. A carrier holds the key blank in an operative relation with the subassembly. An actuating handle is operatively coupled to the punch to cause an axial cutting stroke. Cutting a notch with the subassembly in the first position results in a notch having a first shape, while cutting a notch with the subassembly in the second position results in a notch having a second shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: ILCO Unican Corp.
    Inventors: John A. Licata, Donald S. Wright, Edward J. Stanley