Abstract: An apparatus for continuously cutting thin trim strips from a moving printed web so as to form uniform web products and removing the trim strips from the cutting area is provided, for in-line operation with a web press. The gapping of the web is effected by a cutting cylinder with a hollow bore, which carries at least two pairs of spaced cutting knives that act against a stationary shear blade. The space between each pair of blades connects with the cylinder bore, which in turn is connected to a low-pressure source. As a printed web is fed to the cutting cylinder, the spaced knives cut trim strips in the web and these strips are removed through the space and the cylinder bore by air flow caused by the low-pressure source. The circumferential speed of the knives acting on the web is greater than the speed of the web itself, this reducing any bubbling of the web, and the width of the space between knives is greater than the width of the trim strip.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting holes and notches in thermoplastic film by using heated steel rule dies. The dies are set into a heated die block, and scrap passes through the die, and through a hole in the heated die block so pieces of scrap fuse together as they pass through the block. The die block is fixed, and a movable platen urges the film down against the heated dies. A stripper is biased up to strip the film from the dies after cutting, and is resiliently movable down to allow cutting. Air can be directed through the stripper to blow the film up, off the stripper, to prevent melting when the film motion stops. Use of two dies accurately spaced can cut wicket holes and provide accurate cutting to assure proper operation in a bagging machine.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for supporting crystalline wafers utilizing the sion effect of flowing gas on the crystalline wafers. An almost point-like support of the crystalline wafer is achieved. Furthermore, the invention relates to a holding tool for carrying out the process, which tool has at the center of the holding face, a point-like projection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting continuous funicular material such as tow bands of fibrous material of glass, synthetics, metal, or staple spun threads of any generic type is disclosed wherein two relatively movable closely spaced members are provided with a plurality of knives affixed to the surface of at least one of the members. The material is fed between the rotors and trapped and cut by the knives in a scissors-like manner. In a preferred embodiment, the members are both rotors mounted concentrically each with a plurality of knives. After cutting, the cut staple is flung outwardly from the rotors by centrifugal force.

Abstract: An improved interposer punch apparatus including a plurality of elongated punch elements, a head slidably supporting the punch elements, means to urge the punch elements in an extended position, a stripper plate, and a base for supporting a substrate to be punched with apertures for receiving the lower ends of the punch elements, the imrovement being a means in said base for forcibly displacing slugs of material punched from a substrate from the ends of the punch elements following a punching operation.

Abstract: A centering device is provided for centering a potato with respect to a propelling hydraulic fluid flow stream which carries the potato into cutting engagement with knife elements of a cutting assembly positioned along the flow stream. The device comprises an elongated tube at the upstream end of the cutting assembly shaped to define a linear flow path of generally circular cross-section and oriented for continuously accelerating the hydraulic fluid. This acceleration results in the fluid having a slightly higher velocity than the potato throughout the length of the tube to create, when the potato is displaced from a centered position, fluid velocity and pressure differentials on opposite sides of the potato tending to return the potato to the centered position.

Abstract: A pneumatic punch for paper, and particularly photographic paper. The punch comprises a cylinder having a piston seated within, to be pneumatically driven between upper and lower limits in the cylinder chamber. For this purpose, actuation and retraction air inlet ports are provided through the wall of the cylinder, the ports being separated by the piston against fluid communication within the cylinder chamber between the ports. An elongated guide of constant, circular cross-section is secured centrally to the piston on the side thereof exposed to the air from the retraction air inlet port. An elongated punch of circular cross-section is concentrically secured to the free end of the guide. A central relatively restricted air passageway extends from the actuation air inlet port side of the piston, passing through the piston, guide and punch. A die cooperates with the punch, the die having a body rigidly associated with the cylinder and having a slot of circular cross-section to receive the punch.

Abstract: A means and method for handling trim strip slit from the margin of a travelling web, comprising rotary means by which biasing forces is applied to the strip away from the slitter into the chute. Within the chute relatively low velocity means advance the trim strip in a foldably bunched condition toward the bottom of the chute where the bunched trim strip is then transported away from the chute. Low velocity air, as well as rotary members are provided in the chute for effecting the foldable bunching and advancing of the trim strip. Either or both of low velocity air and mechanical conveying apparatus may be provided for transporting the trim strip away from the bottom of the chute.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a packing container laminated packing material is used which with the help of a rotating cylindrical cutter is made thinner within a limited longitudinal region. This reduction of thickness has been difficult to realize up to now with the desirable accuracy, since the specified depth of cut that has been set may readily be influenced by vibrations in the moving material or in the cutter. These difficulties are overcome by a guiding device, arranged in the immediate vicinity of the edge of the cutter, which limits the thickness of the strip cut away. The guiding device is suspended in contact with the cutter in such a manner that not only are the vibrations reduced, but also the influence of the remaining vibrations on the depth of cut is minimized. The guide is adjustable to vary the depth of cut and includes air outlets for cooling the cutter and for guiding the cut strip away from the packing material.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and diverting a freshly cast, polymeric web. The apparatus includes a pair of traversing knives that cut a tongue from the middle of a web and an air jet that diverts the continuously advancing tongue and web to waste.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically performing work operations, such as the punching of apertures, on moving web materials. The apparatus includes a chassis that is mounted for limited movement in the direction of web travel. The chassis includes a clamping plate and a base plate which are selectively brought into clamping engagement with the web, which enables the chassis to be moved along with the web. Subsequently, a tool is drawn into engagement with the web to perform the work operation. Upon completion of the work operation, the tool is removed from the vicinity of the web, the web is released by the chassis clamping and base plates, and the chassis is returned to its original position.

Abstract: An automatically controlled cutting machine for cutting sheet material employs a cutting wheel and a hard, smooth and continuous surface on which the sheet material is spread for cutting. To prevent shifting during cutting, the material is releasably attached to the support surface by adhesives, freezing, electrostatics and other securing means. The cutting wheel is forced downwardly against the hard support surface by a number of means to insure severing of the sheet material and may be ultrasonically vibrated to facilitate the severing process.

Abstract: A cutting assembly is provided for use in cutting vegetable products, such as potatoes and the like, into a longitudinally extending central core and a plurality of longitudinally extending outer strips having a generally arcuate cross section. The cutting assembly is mounted along an hydraulic flow path defined by an inlet pressure conduit for passage of the product one at a time at a relatively high velocity into cutting engagement with a core knife and a plurality of strip knives and for separation of the core and the outer strips for respective flow along an inner core discharge conduit and a concentric outer strip discharge conduit. The cutting assembly is supported within an assembly housing between the inlet conduit and the discharge conduits with the core knife having a cylindrical shape for mounting at the upstream end of the core discharge conduit and defining a circular leading cutting edge along the axis of the flow path.

Abstract: Dome-shaped shoulder pad discs are placed in face-to-face overlying relationship and loaded in segmented carriers of a surface conveyor system. Each carrier moves its shoulder pad discs to a first station where the material is cut between the segments of the carrier and formed into a leading stack of shoulder pads, a following stack of shoulder pads, and an intermediate stack of waste material. The carrier is moved to a second station where the intermediate stack of waste material is pushed downwardly between the segments of the carrier and ejected. The leading segment of the carrier is moved to a third station where the leading stack of shoulder pads is picked from the leading segment of the carrier and moved to a stacker, and then the following segment of the carrier is moved to the third station where its stack of shoulder pads is picked from the following segment of the carrier and moved to the stacker. The stacker forms the shoulder pads in a vertical stack.

Abstract: There is provided an improvement in an apparatus for cutting a profile of a selected shape from a natural sheet material at a given location, which apparatus comprises a cutting platen having an upper generally flat cutting surface and a lower generally flat support surface. The platen is movable to the desired position relative to a cutter which moves along an axis downwardly against the cutting surface to cut the preselected shape from the natural material. In accordance with the improvement, there is provided a fixed anvil having a flat force reaction surface parallel to and facing the supporting surface of the platen so that the cutting action is against the anvil. The anvil can also form the structure for supporting the platen as it is moved into the cutting position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to sawdust collecting apparatus which incorporates a bag having a screened aperture at a medial portion thereof, which bag is disposed to receive sawdust generated by a saw, to serve as a device to collect the sawdust particles while permitting moving air to escape through the screened aperture.

Abstract: A label machine for forming individual labels from an endless tape strip. The machine includes a novel label removal device which uses compressed air to insure removal of each label to a collection station after it is cut from the endless strip, thereby preventing hang-up of labels at the machine's cutter assembly. The machine also includes a novel tape feed mechanism that provides accurate label length control, thereby preventing waste of tape. These mechanisms are preferably used in combination with a printer head, the novel tape feed and label removal mechanisms cooperating to prevent printing errors between leading and trailing labels cut from the endless tape strip.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of reagent solutions containing a plurality of components for analytical purposes, wherein the individual components of several differently composed reagents are each introduced into a solid, proportionable carrier material in easily redissolvable form in such an amount that each part by volume or weight of the carrier material carries a definite amount of one reagent component, the carriers of the components are brought together in a magazine-like manner and, for the production of a particular reagent, from all carriers which carry a component of the reagent, there are simultaneously taken off the amounts corresponding to the required amounts of the components, which are then dissolved to form the reagent solution. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: The rotary heat cutter comprises a heating element adapted to be rotated into engagement with a taut section of plastic web to sever the web transversely while the web is traveling in a straight path. Means are provided for constraining the heating element to move at the same speed as the plastic web when the heating element engages the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting cigar wrappers with a selected profile from a natural tobacco leaf, the apparatus comprises a vacuum supporting structure on a leaf receiving member. An arrangement is provided for selecting a cut position on the leaf and oriented with respect to the leaf receiving member and a cutting platen is provided including a leaf supporting surface and an arrangement for creating a vacuum on the surface to support a leaf. The platen is positioned in a known leaf receiving location and a transfer means is provided for transferring the leaf from the leaf receiving member to the leaf supporting surface of the cutting platen. The cutter having the desired profile is provided for cutting the profile from the leaf. The platen is then shifted from its leaf receiving position to a leaf cutting position with the support surface of the platen spaced from the wrapper cutter.

Abstract: Trim strip from a web slitter is received in a chute passageway which guides the trim strip away from the slitter. Low velocity air is supplied in the passageway to provide air lubrication between the chute structure and both opposite faces of the trim strip which thereby floats away from the slitter smoothly and efficiently.

Abstract: The quality of the as-sawn surfaces of a wafer is improved by preventing the saw blade from striking the wafer surfaces during the blade return stroke by leaning the just-sawn wafer away from the blade and by slightly retracting the face of the ingot from the plane of the saw blade. A fluid-jet-induced deformation of the binding compound portion of the ingot is preferred as a means of leaning the wafer away from the saw blade. Using this technique a number of wafers may be successively sawn from an ingot and kept attached to the ingot by the binding compound without the surfaces of the wafers being scored during the return strokes of the blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting clamps or clips off of the ends of sausages and similar products formed by forcing material into continuous lengths of an outer tubular casing and placing clips intermediately along the length of the outer casing to separate lengths of the sausage or the like. The clips are removed by positioning the clips of a pair of the sausages or the like adjacent a pair of cutters in such a manner that the cutter jaws are positioned between the adjacent ends of sausages. The cutters are then caused to automatically move apart until they engage the ends of the sausages and are positioned between the respective clips and the ends of the sausages. The cutters are then automatically actuated to cut through the outer casing between the clips and the ends of the sausages to thereby effect removal of the clips and separation of the pair of sausages.

Abstract: Continuous labeling apparatus and method for applying labels to containers of various shapes (cylindrical, oval, etc.) and wherein the labels may be other than rectangular in shape, wherein a continuous label stock which is pre-printed is fed between an anvil roller and a rotary die, labels are severed, scrap material (if continuous) is rewound, each severed label is picked up by a rotary vacuum drum and is supplied to a label applying station where the drum and a container feed come together.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for cutting filamentary material using apparatus comprising a reel fitted with a plurality of spaced outwardly facing knife blades against which the material to be cut is wound and then severed by applied pressure, wherein entanglement of cut fibre is reduced or obviated by impingement against a divergent surface attached to and rotating with the cutter reel.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving uniformly colored elongated objects, such as raw potato sticks, peeled raw carrots, etc., past sensing equipment. The sensing equipment scans the elongated objects for areas which deviate in color from the essentially uniform color thereof and actuates cutting means which thereafter removes the area of discoloration.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing layered, nonbonded, structures of cross-lapped film is disclosed wherein at least two rolls of layered, nonbonded film are combined by introducing into a common location cut portions of film from said rolls from at least two film delivery means. The film is delivered to the common location in alternating order. The layers in the structure are maintained in position in a suitable receptacle means.

Abstract: Improvements in apparatus and methods for cutting potatoes into strips, wherein the potatoes are carried hydraulically in single file against and through an arrangement of knife blades, rapidly and with great force. The improvements reside in the manner in which the potatoes are preconditioned for cutting, the mechanism by which the potatoes are aligned in the hydraulic stream as they approach the knives, and the knife device by which the potatoes are effectively cut into strips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating and, if desired, eroding fibrous board surfaces in a non-repetitive pattern are disclosed. The boards perforated according to the present invention are especially useful as acoustical tiles and panels. The board is formed and dried with a surface pattern developed on the board surface if desired and thereafter the board surface is punched by a series of randomly arranged pins or tacks on a plurality of rolls whereby a non-repetitive pattern results.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing flat strip material including cutting apparatus for cutting the material and to strip portions and stacking apparatus having air cushion means for stacking the strip portions one on top of the other. An accelerating anchoring roller, having vacuum or magnet devices therein for attracting the sheet portions thereto are provided for the exclusive transfer of the strip portions from the position were cut in the cutting apparatus in positions at the inlet of the stacking apparatus where the air cushion takes over the conveyance and stacking of the strip portions.

Abstract: Window panels are cut in sheet material by means of a rotatable panel cutter and the sheet material is thereafter conveyed to a location adjacent a panel or chip receiving means. A negative pressure is applied to the underside of the sheet, the cut panel or chip is conveyed away from the sheet by the negative pressure. Turnaround rollers are provided for the sheet material. Where the panel is not completely severed from the sheet, a portion of the panel will be deflected by the turnaround roller and a blade is positioned adjacent the turnaround roller to engage the panel and remove the panel from the sheet. Air blast means are provided in overlying relation with the web above the panel receiving means to dislodge the panel from the sheet so that the air blast means will also dislodge the severed panel in the sheet passing between the panel receiving means and the air blast means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the transfer and the treatment of textile yarns comprising a pneumatic means comprising a body pierced from top to bottom with a channel of transversal section, preferably oblong the surface of said body increasing from upstream to downstream, said body being slit in the forepart to make the channel communicate with the outside on substantially its whole length along the generatrix of channel, and a higher part provided with at least a tubular member allowing a fluid to be fed to at least two orifices, parallel to the axis of the nozzle channel, said tubular members communicating with the higher part of said channel by means of a chamber, and a slot for permitting the passage of yarn from the outside towards said channel.

Abstract: The threading of the leading end of a fresh web of sheet material through apparatus for cutting or performing other operations on it is assisted by fluid entrainment. Air jets are arranged at gaps between conveyors and roller nips and are directed to support and guide the leading end. Use can be made of the Bernouilli effect, with jets arranged on one side only of the web path.

Abstract: A device for eliminating filamentary winders from the surface of a rotating working roller of the type commonly utilized in the textile industry. A runner carrying a cutting means is provided which moves traversely over the surface of the working roller and parallel to its axis. The runner may be driven by either a guide groove formed in the surface of the working roller or a separate reverse-winding roller which is linked to the working roller. The cutting means may comprise a wedge-shaped blade edge facing the running direction of the working roller which has a blunted projecting portion which extends slightly below the surface of the working roller and which initially engages any winder encountered thereon. In addition an electrical means for detecting, counting and/or allocating winders to discrete length sections of the working roller may be provided which is operated by the cutting means.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching holes in thin sheet stock includes an improved clamping arrangement which holds the sheet stock firmly during the punching operation in the regions surrounding the hole to be cut as well as in the slug region which is to be cut from the sheet.

Abstract: A chopper assembly of the type normally mounted on a spray gun to chop and spray fiberglass or the like, and which includes a backup roll driven by an air motor and a cutter roll. The exhaust of the air motor is expelled through air jets in the cutter roll to help drive the cutter roll while also muffling the sound of the exhausting air. The chopper frame is mounted on the gun by a hollow universal joint of the ball and socket type, which carries air to the chopper at any chopper orientation without the need for external flexible hoses or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting threads, particularly threads formed of mineral substances such as glass, are disclosed. A rotating drum carrying a plurality of radially extending cutting blades operates in conjunction with a rotating support drum which carries and supports the thread for cutting by the cutting blades. Ejector elements carried by the cutting drum and positioned in the spaces between the cutting blades are urged radially outwardly by centrifugal force and compress the thread against the surface of the support drum. The ejector elements then serve to strip cut sections of the thread from between the blades as the cutting blades move away from the support drum. Compressed air is supplied to the spaces between the cutting blades to remove waste material resulting from the cutting operation.

Abstract: An improved punch drive means and control means for a punch assembly adapted for preparation of flexible film products. The punch drive means includes a double acting cylinder with a piston and ram operatively associated therewith, and a film slug ejecting means is provided for utilization with the punch. The double acting cylinder for the punch drive means is provided with a control valve which receives compressed air from an air manifold for controlled actuation of the drive cylinder. The film slug ejecting means is provided with a separate control valve which is also coupled to the air manifold, and means are provided for controlling the delivery of compressed air from the manifold to the ejecting port located in the punch.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the removal of tobacco cuttings in the wrapper cutting portion of a cigar making machine in which a hollow, rotatable die turret having a pair of hollow die units on its upper surface, air openings at its lower surface and passageways from such openings to the interior of the units, is rotatably mounted on a stationary support having a pair of air chambers therein with openings in the upper wall thereof which permit air to flow into or out of the turret passageways through the openings at its lower surface at various portions of the cycle of rotation of the turret. Each die unit has holes around the periphery of the cutting edge which extend into the die unit interior. One of the chambers is kept continuously under vacuum so that during part of the rotation of the turret, air is drawn through the die unit holes to maintain a strip of tobacco on top of a die unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting, sorting and stacking paper or the like in sheet form is disclosed which includes means for collecting packets of sheets in tandem on a collecting drum prior to discharging the collected sheets to the stacker. The basic components consist of a sheet cutting section, a sheet collecting section, a sheet slow down section and a stacker unit. In the tandem collect mode of operation, the length of the cut sheets must be less than one-half the circumference of the collecting drum and the drive ratio between the sheet cutting section and the sheet collecting section is set at 2:1. Packets of sheets containing an odd number of sheets are collected in tandem on the collecting drum with the use of air showers that are controlled by microswitches in an air shower control unit that is driven by the cutting drum.