Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to move through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential.

Abstract: A dust collecting device for collecting cutting chips into a dust collecting container is provided. A back-flow preventing wall(s) is fixedly disposed on a flow path member defining a flow path between a machining apparatus and the dust collecting container. The back-flow preventing wall(s) is configured to decrease a cross sectional area of a flow path part defined by the flow path member in a downstream direction with respect to the flow of the air containing the cutting chips toward the dust collecting container.

Abstract: A sheet cutting apparatus includes: a cutting blade for cutting a sheet; an inserting device for inserting the sheet into a cutting position to be cut by the cutting blade; a taking out device for taking out the sheet from the cutting position after the sheet has been cut by the cutting blade; and an airflow generating device provided downstream of the cutting position in a direction of taking out the sheet by the taking out device for supplying an airflow to the cutting position.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for processing specimens (15), comprises an observation device (2) for observing a specimen (15), a specimen holder (3) for receiving the specimen (15) to be processed, and a tool holder (6), which is suitable for the reception of tools (5) for different processing steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chopping long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. The chopper has a backup roll, a blade roll and an idler roll. The improvements include one or both of a shield having an air jet at or near its upper end, the shield being upstream of the blade roll and spaced from the blade roll, a lower end of the shield being spaced from the working surface, the air jet communicating with a source of compressed air, to prevent a buildup of fuzz or chopped item(s) upstream of the blade roll, and a shield having an air jet at or near its upper end, the air jet being located close to the working surface and the shield angling or curving downward from a location spaced from the working surface beginning between about an 8 O'clock and a 10 o'clock position on the backup roll and transitioning generally downward ending at a location below and spaced from the idler roll to protect the idler roll from chopped item(s).

Abstract: A trimming apparatus for trimming a lateral edge a printed product includes a trimming table arranged to receive the printed product in a position ready for trimming. A trimming knife is configured to cut the lateral edge of the printed product during a cutting stroke, thereby creating cuttings separated from the print product. A removal device is provided for removing the separated cuttings. The removal device includes a collection region arranged behind the trimming knife to receive the separated cuttings during the cutting stroke of the trimming knife and a plurality of air nozzles located above the collection region. The nozzles are adapted to blow compressed air into the collection region to remove the separated cuttings through the collection region.

Abstract: A water jet cutter for separation of a trim strip from a moving paper, cardboard, tissue or other type of fiber web, in a machine for the production and/or conversion of the fiber web, including at least one nozzle whose water jet is directed onto the fiber web. An advantage of the present invention is to simplify the construction of the device while maintaining at least equal operational reliability, and to enable installation above a pulper in order to eliminate the necessity for removal and extraction systems.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a housing having a motor provided therein, a cutting accessory coupled to the motor and means for selectively directing a flow of air toward a point of cut of the cutting accessory. The flow of air acts to remove debris at the point of cut to improve visibility of the workpiece.

Abstract: A circular saw includes a worktable, a blade supporting unit pivotally mounted to the worktable, a saw blade shaft mounted rotatably on the supporting unit and driven by a motor to rotate a saw blade, a driving shaft mounted rotatably on the supporting unit, and a dust collecting member confining a dust passageway which has an intake port in the vicinity of the saw blade, and an outlet port for passage of wood dust. A blower casing is disposed outwardly of the supporting unit, and defines an accommodation chamber disposed downstream of the outlet port and receiving a driving end of the driving shaft. An impeller is mounted on the driving end and is rotatable so as to draw wood dust from the dust passageway into the accommodation chamber and out through a discharge port.

Abstract: An air jet for a machine tool to clean cutting dust has a housing with a hole and an outlet. An eccentric member has a cam and is provided in the housing which the eccentric member is driven by a power resource of the machine tool for rotation. An annular transmission is engaged with the eccentric member. A driving member is driven by the transmission for linear reciprocating motion. A flexible film is provided in the housing covering the outlet and has an inlet corresponding to the driving member, wherein the inlet of the film is sealed and the film is pressed for strain while the driving member is moved toward the film, and a tube has an end thereof connected with the outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which potatoes and other elongate food product can be properly oriented and stabilized during a slicing operation performed by a cutting device having a horizontal cutting plane. The apparatus includes a passage extending downwardly toward the cutting device and defining an opening in proximity to the cutting device, splines or other suitable features disposed along a first portion of the passage and oriented substantially parallel to the passage, and means for applying a force on a food product traveling downward through the passage so as to urge the product into contact with the splines during engagement with the cutting device.

Abstract: A food product cutting apparatus that makes a substantially horizontal cut through food product being delivered in a substantially vertical direction. The food product is delivered to a cutting device through an internal passage of at least one feed member above the cutting device. A force is applied to the food product traveling downward through the internal passage so as to push the food product against a first wall of the feed member. The apparatus is configured to improve product flow by configuring the passage of the feed member to have a cross-sectional shape defined by two offset, overlapping diameters. The apparatus is also configured for improved safety by ensuring that the cutting device is properly secured before electrical power is available for driving the cutting device.

Abstract: A table saw has a height and inclination adjustable saw blade which is mounted on and rotatable with a blade shaft that is driven by a motor. A support seat is movable relative to a mounting frame, and supports the blade shaft. A shaving collecting member is disposed in the vicinity of the saw blade to collect wood shavings. A casing is secured to the support seat, and is communicated with the shaving collecting member. An impeller is disposed rotatably in the casing, and is mounted on a driven shaft that is coupled to the blade shaft so as to permit rotation of the impeller when the motor is in operation, thereby drawing wood shavings from the shaving collecting member to the casing and out of a discharge port in the casing.

Abstract: A sawdust-removing device for a band saw machine with a power outlet device is fitted around the shaft of a motor of a band saw machine. The motor can also supply the sawdust-removing device with power at the same time to carry out clearing off sawdust. The sawdust-removing device includes a housing, a rotor and a plurality of blades. The housing has an air chamber for the rotor with the blades to be eccentrically positioned therein. The rotor is rotated by the shaft of the motor to suck in and exhaust out air for blowing off sawdust on planks being sawed. The device is easy to be integrally assembled, takes little space inside the band saw machine and is able to reduce cost in equipment and maintenance.

Abstract: A closed-knife rod cutting machine is provided with air ejection apparatus for automatic discharge of cut rods. The gage pin is compliant in the direction of the knife return stroke to permit ejection of a lodged cut rod by the advancing rod stock. The free end of the compliant gage pin is tapered to assist in clearing cut rods loosely lodged in knife, and the gage pin is timed to retract when the knife engages the rod stock at the beginning of the cutting cycle.

Abstract: A cutting equipment (34) for continuous forms (37) comprising an input moving device (53) for a continuous form, a loop forming device (54), a cutting feeding device (56) and a transversal cutting mechanism (58) for the form. The form (37) has side sprocket holes (41) and the cutting feeding device (56) includes intermediate pin feed tractors (91, 92) interposed between the loop forming device (54) and the transversal cutting mechanism (58) and provided for cooperating with the sprocket holes of the section of form (37) to be cut. The loop forming device includes a loop sensor (78) and the input moving device (53) causes the form to be entered at a mean velocity depending on the velocity of the intermediate pin feed tractors (91, 92) and on the state of the loop sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food processing system. A fluid conduit of the system is configured for directing the food carried in a fluid medium along a food path. The system has a food inlet operatively associated with the fluid conduit for feeding the food into the conduit, and a pump operatively associated with the conduit for pumping the fluid through the conduit in a fluid stream direction. A processor unit is associated with the conduit, disposed along the food path, and includes a tool configured and associated with the conduit for performing a processing operation on the food, such as cutting potatoes into french fry strips. The system also has a deceleration element operatively associated with the conduit and configured for decelerating the fluid and carried food along the food path while maintaining the fluid flow substantially free of recirculation vortices.

Abstract: A string saw includes a housing, and an air box. The housing includes a first casing and a second casing combined with each other. The air box is mounted in the housing and has an inside formed with a receiving chamber communicating with the storage space of the first casing, so that the cut chips during the sawing process can be introduced from the storage space of the first casing into the receiving chamber of the air box. Thus, the string saw can provide the dust collection and chip drainage function.

Abstract: There is provided an optical recording medium-manufacturing apparatus that is capable of avoiding breakage of a substrate while avoiding formation of a central hole off-center with respect to the substrate. A control section causes the vertical movement section to move an ultrasonic horn in directions toward and away from the cutting edge of a punching blade section to thereby cause the ultrasonic horn to press the disk-shaped substrate and at the same cause an ultrasonic generator to perform ultrasonic vibration at least from a time point at which the disk-shaped substrate is brought into contact with the cutting edge of the punching blade section to a time point at which the punching of the central hole is completed.

Abstract: There is provided an optical recording medium-manufacturing apparatus that is capable of accurately transferring a disk-shaped apparatus during a manufacturing process, and at the same time occupies a small installation area. A control section causes a cut-forming machine installed at a cut-forming location to form a cut in a resin layer of a disk-shaped substrate, then causes an indexing mechanism to rotate a transfer stage to thereby transfer the disk-shaped substrate formed with the cut to a central hole-forming location, and then causes a punching machine to punch a central hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting food products. The apparatus includes a support for a food product, a blade, and an intercalated sheet feeding device, which guides a free end of a continuous strip by using compressed air.

Abstract: A work tool is provided that includes a housing. A blower provides one of a positive or negative pressure and is connected to the housing. A hose has a first end connected with the blower and an opposite second end. An optical device for illuminating a work area is positioned at least partially within the second end of the housing.

Abstract: The invention is a new book trimming machine comprising trimming blades with combined movement, that is, with an arced movement and a non-circular rotation of the blade. The machine is provided with a central interchangeable pressing device to keep the sheets in horizontal position during trimming. The support table is constituted by two hinged parts with axis parallel to the advance direction of the book. Once the book has been trimmed, said two parts are rotated downwards in order to remove the trimmings. An overturning plane is positioned between the two side parts of the support table and is lifted and aligned with the two side parts of the support table when the blades trim the book. The front part of the conveyor belt that transports the book towards the support table slides around translating rollers, in such a way as to transfer the book onto the support table and then move away to let the trimmings of the book edge opposite the spine fall down.

Abstract: A machine for cutting the border of a workpiece using one or more water jet cutting tools separately carried by one or more monorail track mounted carriage assemblies is disclosed. The machine can also include an aperture forming apparatus for forming circular openings and/or elongated slots in the workpiece prior to/or simultaneously with the border trimming operation, all while the workpiece occupies a single work station in the machine. In one embodiment, the aperture forming apparatus features a cutting tool mounted on an elongate arm affixed to and extending from a plate which is fixedly oriented in a horizontal plane. While so oriented, a motor and gear assembly causes the plate to wobble in a circular pattern in the plane to, in turn, cause the tool to make a circular cut in the workpiece. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a motor rotates a cam carried on a free end of a stationary arm, the cam containing an eccentrically mounted cutting tool.

Abstract: An improved cutter blade assembly for cutting vegetable products such as potatoes. The cutter blade assembly utilizes a number of cutter blades that transverse an axial bore through which products to be cut are fed. These blades are locked within the assembly by an attachment system that partially deforms the blade to hold the blade in place. This improved attachment connection system serves to hold the blade in a position having higher tension and thereby reduces wear, chatter, and feathering.

Abstract: There will be provided a punching unit capable of reliably drawing a punch out of the workpiece, improving the productivity and without deteriorating the boring precision even for a workpiece which easily spreads, and preventing leavings rising. A stripper plates which has been positioned close to the workpiece in accordance with the thickness thereof does not press the workpiece, but draws the punch during rising out of the workpiece to transmit the striking driving force of the electric motor to the movable die holding the punch. In an air path portion arranged within the machine frame, there is provided means for opening or closing through an electric signal and the air path between the air ejecting unit and the means is made shorter, whereby the response to air ejection is improved, the pressure loss during air flow is reduced to a minimum, and jet air is accurately applied to punching chips (leavings) which adhere to the punch at the bottom dead center for peeling off the punch.

Abstract: A cutter blade assembly that presents a sequential series of perpendicularly oriented cutting knife arrays which are attached to a frame. A first set of cutting knives is comprised of knives that are generally scalloped shaped. A second set of cutting knives is comprised of knives that are generally straight and are connected in general perpendicular orientation to the first set of strip knives. When a vegetable product such as a potato is forced through the cutter blade assembly, the first set of knives cuts the potato into a scalloped shaped slab. The second set of knives then cuts the slab into a scoop shaped potato piece emulating a portion of a cut stalk of celery.

Abstract: A machine tool has a column that supports a spindle head in such a manner as to be movable in an axial direction of the spindle. A table on which a workpiece is mounted is moved in directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the spindle. A cutting liquid feed device is fixed to the column through a support member. The cutting liquid feed device includes a cutting liquid nozzle and a shower nozzle. The cutting liquid nozzle is adapted to discharge the cutting liquid toward a tool mounted to the spindle. The shower nozzle is adapted to discharge the cutting liquid in a shape of film (shower curtain) so as to surround a cutting area.

Abstract: A vertical band saw machine includes an endless band saw trained on a lower blade mounting pulley which is driven by an output shaft of a motor for sawing a workpiece placed on a worktable. A sawdust collecting member is mounted on a lower support below the worktable, and has first and second sawdust passageways with first and second intake ports disposed above and under the worktable in the vicinity of the blade. An impeller is rotatable coaxially with the lower blade mounting pulley so as to draw sawdust from the sawdust collecting member into a blower casing for discharge through a discharge port.

Abstract: A gang blade assembly which controls the trajectory of detritus from a ball grid array substrate dicing operation is described. The assembly includes a cover which partially encases a hub with a plurality of blades. A brush is mounted on the cover to disrupt an air flow created by rotation of the hub and blades. The brush extends beneath the cover and has bristles which contact the hub. The bristles also serve to clear the hub of any detritus produced during dicing. More than one brush may be mounted on the cover.

Abstract: A table top band saw that is almost entirely assembled of molded plastic components to provide for ease of manufacture and assembly. The band saw includes a plastic housing enclosing a pair of opposed plastic wheels that are configured to allow for rotation of an endless saw blade. A plastic work table is secured to the housing such that the saw blade travels through the table and provides a location for supporting and sawing a work piece. A stabilizer and coolant feed device is positioned above the table, and allows a cooling fluid to flow onto the blade without dripping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which potatoes and other elongate food product can be properly oriented and stabilized during a slicing operation performed by a cutting device having a horizontal cutting plane. The apparatus includes a passage extending downwardly toward the cutting device and defining an opening in proximity to the cutting device, splines or other suitable features disposed along a first portion of the passage and oriented substantially parallel to the passage, and means for applying a force on a food product traveling downward through the passage so as to urge the product into contact with the splines during engagement with the cutting device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling absorbent garments are disclosed. The apparatus has a passage, which may be internal or external, having an upstream end and a downstream end. One or more orifices are positioned to provide a flow of air towards the downstream end of the passage. A series of parts is provided to the upstream end of the passage at a first spacing and velocity. As the parts travel along the passage, the air flow increases the spacing between the parts and the velocity of the parts to a second spacing and second velocity. The flow of air through the orifice or orifices may be regulated to control the second spacing and second velocity of the parts. The apparatus may be used to assemble parts onto a moving substrate positioned near the downstream end of the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting paper webs (01) for forming several partial webs. The inventive device is arranged between an output of a printing machine and the input of a folder for folding the cut partial webs. Said device comprises a water jet cutting appliance (10).

Abstract: An enclosed wet saw table for containing debris distributed by a wet type table saw. The enclosed wet saw table includes a table apparatus with a sink section for placing a wet saw on. There are walls on three sides of the sink for containing any splashing of liquid and debris during the cutting process. The liquid and debris drains through into a container having a pump member for filtering and re-circulating the liquid back up to the wet saw. All of the sections of the table apparatus are selectively couplable allowing the user to transport the unit and set it up on site in short order.

Abstract: A fluid valve for controlling fluid flow and/or vacuum to a plurality of ports and fluid lines in a rotating member has a rotary phase plate with a plurality of apertures therein which can be brought into fluid communication with selected ports and fluid lines in the rotating member by rotation of the rotary phase plate to one of at least two rotational positions with respect to the rotating member. Preferably, the fluid valve has at least a rotary union adapter coupling the rotary phase plate to a one-port rotary union or a roll adapter coupling the rotary phase plate to the rotating member. Most preferably, the fluid valve has both such adapters.

Abstract: An improved dust collector is proposed. The dust collector comprises an upper duct, and a flexible lower flap connected to the upper dust duct, wherein the lower flap is resilient. Preferably, the upper duct has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, whereas the bottom of the duct is open. The lower flap is disposed in the open portion of the inlet. Furthermore, the upper duct inlet and outlet may have corresponding centerlines, whereas the centerline of the upper duct outlet may be offset from the centerline of the upper duct inlet by a predetermined number of degrees, e.g., about 15°. In addition, the dust collector may further include a wire for maintaining the lower flap in an open position.

Abstract: A method for removing punched fragments usable in the method wherein perforations in a workpiece 3 are conducted by using a punch 10 and a die 12; comprising lifting workpiece 3 while tightly attaching to a stripper 11 without extracting punch 10 from perforations after its formation in workpiece 3, subsequently pushing back punch 10 lifted from the die 12 so as to make it protrude slightly from the bottommost end of perforation, and performing operation for removing punched fragments in that condition. The method for removing punched fragments can be easily performed even a very narrow space is available in a counterbore of a die, and can ensure no punched fragment remained inside perforations, and therefore can improve yield of a product being fabricated. Also presented is a method for producing an article by punching inclusive of the method for removing punched fragments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting off and conveying strips, for a machine. The device is used for producing a continuous web, especially of paper or card, for a threading strip, and has a knife. Finally the device is characterized in that it has it least one (preferably driven) guiding roll (27) which can be brought into engagement with the threading strip (27).

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cutting system is provided for cutting a succession of vegetable products or the like particularly such as potatoes into elongated strips, wherein the cutting system includes a deceleration conduit designed for decelerating cut product strips substantially without flow stream turbulence to reduce or eliminate strip breakage. The cutting system utilizes a propelling fluid flow stream to propel the products with substantial velocity into and through cutting engagement with knife elements of a so-called water knife fixture mounted along the length of a fluid flow passage. An improved deceleration conduit defines a continuation of the fluid flow passage at a downstream side of the water knife, and has a tapered shape which expands in cross section relative to a conduit centerline at an angle not exceeding 9° and preferably on the order of about 2° to about 3°.

Abstract: A slitter for webs, such as sheet aluminum or other metals, has a simple and effective method and apparatus for controlling the movement of a strip of metallic trim into a scrap reclamation system. One or more air nozzles direct a stream of air between the knife roll and the trim strip in the area where the trim strip leaves the knife roll. This presses the trim strip away from the knife roll, and reduces the risk that trim will adhere to the knife roll and cause problems.

Abstract: Simultaneous slicing and washing of relatively firm raw vegetable or fruit products is accomplished in a vat of water into which a slicer apparatus is positioned such that the slices are formed and discharge directly into the water. An inclined takeout conveyor serves to receive the slices and remove them from the water. A circulating water current and fluid jets urge the slices to disperse onto the conveyor. A spray of water or air blast removes residual vegetable matter from the slice surfaces before leaving the takeout conveyor for further processing. Slicing and washing a vegetable in a flume volute where the slices are dispersed onto a takeout conveyor is disclosed where the water medium is collected in a tub and recycled back to flow in the flume to a level that covers the slicer's operative parts. The apparatus may be used for simultaneous slicing and cooking of raw vegetables where hot cooking oil is maintained in the system and recycled for reheating.

Abstract: A threading device and a method for threading a tail of a web, wherein, for guiding the path of a tail separated from a full-width web in a paper machine or a paper finishing device, the threading device comprises a suction channel, placed at least partly in a paper machine portion and provided with a reduced pressure for gripping the tail, and transfer means for transferring the suction channel in the portion of the paper machine and simultaneously for releasing the tail to the portion.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus according to the present invention has a trim punch that provides a route for continuous air flow to prevent trimmed gate scraps from clogging the apparatus. The trim punch can have a groove or a through hole for providing the continuous air flow from outside into an outlet, through which trimmed gate scraps are discharged. This continuous air flow prevents the trimmed gate scraps from remaining inside the outlet and adhering to the trim punch. Therefore, clogging of the trimmed gate scraps in the apparatus is prevented.

Abstract: A method for cutting off a longitudinal edge of a moving paper web utilizes a waterjet through the web to effect cutting. Air flow between the web and the web cutting top pull the web forward and towards the edge. Air flow from a pipe positioned upstream of the water jet presses the web against the cutting top.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting using a pressurized jet of fluid from a high pressure fluid source includes a hand-held tool, a hose for delivering pressurized fluid to the hand-held tool from the high pressure fluid source, and a nozzle at a distal end of the hand-held tool. The nozzle has a channel capped by a jewel. The jewel has a second channel therethrough restricting the flow of fluid through the channel, thereby creating the pressurized jet of fluid. A trigger switch is located on the hand-held tool. The trigger switch activates the high pressure fluid source when depressed and deactivates the high pressure fluid source when released.

Abstract: A punched slug removal system for punching a slug from a workpiece and removing the punched slug. The system includes a punch having a reciprocating travel path with a transition point where the punch changes direction. A die plate has an aperture into which a die bushing may be disposed. The die bushing provides support for the workpiece and has an opening through which the punch and a slug pass. A manifold supports the die plate and (if present) the die bushing and has a distribution channel and an orifice which direct a gas flow onto a slug attached to the punch in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating travel path of the punch to remove the slug from the punch. The distribution channel is tapered to increase the velocity of the gas flow. The orifice is positioned at the top of the manifold adjacent the transition point of the reciprocating travel path of the punch.

Abstract: A punch press, adapted to receive a punch tool having a passage for discharging a fluid for ejecting slugs punched out during the punching process, includes a movable ram means for striking the punch, the ram means having a bottom dead position and including a passage connectable to the passage of the punch when the ram means strikes the punch. The press further includes a valve for controlling the supply of the slug-ejecting fluid to the ram means, the valve comprising a movable member responsive to the vertical motion of the ram means and a stationary member relative to which the movable member slides, the valve being adapted to control the flow of the fluid to the ram means, the valve being open while the ram means is positioned within a predetermined positional range including but not limited to, the dead bottom position of the ram means.

Abstract: A rotatable knife roll with at least one foil knife secured on a portion of the body of the roll and having a sharp and endless cutting edge closed within itself to cut out window openings. There are breakthroughs for suction apertures arranged within the cutting edge. There is at least one suction-air control valve arranged on the face side of the roll body. The valve is rotatable relative to this portion of the roll. The suction-air control valve has at least one suction-air-control channel and at least one fresh-air channel. There are suction apertures for temporarily retaining a letter envelope blank over a suction and transport angle zone &agr;, and for retaining a piece of material cut out by the foil knife across a suction and transport angle zone &bgr;. The suction apertures are arranged in rows to which suction channels are allocated in the part of the roll body.

Abstract: In an apparatus for extracting chips from slots cut into a substrate, a cutter having a cutting implement is mounted thereon and is adapted to cut slots into the substrate. At least one injector is positioned proximate to the cutting implement, and includes a nozzle having a nozzle tip directed at the slots such that during operation a current of gas is directed into the slots to loosen any substrate chips therefrom which were generated during the cutting operation. A vacuum apparatus is positioned proximate to the cutting apparatus for capturing and removing the substrate chips loosened by the injector.