Abstract:
A method of cutting sheet material with an automatically controlled cutting machine having a reciprocating cutting blade utilizes a schedule of auxiliary or supplemental machine motions to modify the basic or fundamental motions of a cutting blade and the sheet material under selected cutting conditions. The supplemental motions and corresponding conditions are determined in advance by means of cutting improvement tests and are recorded in a schedule correlating the motions and corresponding conditions. During subsequent cutting operations, the special motions are selectively extracted from the schedule as the corresponding cutting conditions arise, and the motions are then employed to improve the overall cutting process.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for cutting sheet material utilizes a closed loop automatically controlled cutting machine having a reciprocating cutting blade as the cutting tool. Sheet material to be cut is spread in multiple plies to form a layup, and the cutting blade and the material are then moved relative to one another in cutting engagement along predefined lines of cut. During cutting, a sensor detects a cutting parameter that is affected by the interaction of the cutting blade and sheet material, and signals provided by the sensor are fed back in the closed loop automatic control mechanism to adjust or initiate further steps in the cutting operation. Such adjustment or initiation alters the cutting machine operation for cutting conditions in real time in order to improve the overall performance of the machine.
Abstract:
In a conveyor apparatus for supporting and advancing sheet material, such as fabric to be cut by a cutter head, the conveying element is an endless belt made of elongated supporting members having their length dimensions extending transversely of the path of belt movement. The supporting members include coengagable parts, such as tongues and grooves extending along the length of the members, which coengage one another when the supporting members are in the upper run of the conveyor to prevent vertical movement of the supporting members relative to one another and to thereby maintain the supporting surface defined by the upper run in a smooth and flat condition.
Abstract:
In a reciprocating blade for cutting sheet material first and second side surfaces inclined relative to one another intersect to define an elongated cutting edge. The cutting edge is offset from a reference plane located midway between the side faces of the blade so that the first side surface passes through the reference plane in going from its associated side face to the cutting edge. At least the first side surface is covered with a thin coat of hard material harder than the base material of the blade. During use the second side surface is ground to cause the cutting edge to be defined by the hard material covering the first side surface. As a result of repeated sharpening grindings of the second side surface the cutting edge gradually moves to and then beyond the reference plane to give the blade a long useful service life.
Abstract:
A photoplotter supports a sheet of photosensitive material for exposure by an associated light source. A light valve device interposed between the light source and the sheet has a main face parallel to the sheet divided into a plurality of subareas or pixels the light transmissivities of which are individually controlled through an associated computer to cause the exposure to be that of a desired graphic or artwork.
Abstract:
An apparatus for working on a single layer or a layup of sheet material, or other work material, has a table for supporting the work material with a support surface selected areas of which may be vacuumized. The selective vacuumization of support surface areas is accomplished by a simple valving system interposed between an air plenum and a plurality of individual compartments underlying the work surface, the valving system including an elongated valving member having a plurality of first and second ports distributed along the length thereof, a belt extending along the length of the valving member and overlying the ports and a belt deflector movable along the length of the valving member, the position of the belt deflector determining the selection of which second ports are connected to which first ports. In the selective vacuumization mode of operation a vacuum is applied to the air plenum. The same apparatus however may also be used to provide a positive air pressure over all of the work surface by applying a positive pressure rather than a vacuum to the air plenum, the valving system in this case simultaneously connecting all of the first ports and all of the second ports to one another.
Abstract:
An automatic cutting and dedusting apparatus for piled or fleecy worksheets comprises an automatic cutting apparatus, a means for applying an electric field to the worksheets to statically charge them, and a dedusting machine including means for agitating and moving air adjacent cut pattern pieces to remove pile fiber portions which were previously cut and thereby disconnected from said worksheets.
Abstract:
An automatically controlled machine for cutting limp sheet material includes a vacuum bed defining a surface on which the sheet material is spread and held during cutting. A reciprocating cutting blade penetrates through the sheet material and the support surface of the vacuum bed as the blade is translated parallel to the support surface along lines of cut. A plurality of air-impermeable panels extend through the bed in spaced relationship to sectionalize the vacuum bed and permit the vacuum to be generated only in those portions of the bed where the cutting blade is operating. To prevent interference with the penetrating cutting blade, the panels are individually withdrawn from the bed when the cutting blade approaches.
Abstract:
A cutting machine utilizing a movable nozzle for producing a high velocity fluid jet for cutting and a movable receiver for dissipating the cutting jet after it passes through sheet material in a cutting operation is provided with two mechanically independent carriages on which the nozzle and receiver are separately mounted. The cutting machine includes controls operatively connected with the nozzle and receiver moving mechanism for coordinating the movement of the nozzle and receiver to maintain the receiver in constant registration with the cutting jet exiting the sheet material.
Abstract:
A low inertia plotter having a carrier consisting solely of a relatively thin sheet of support material defining a surface for carrying a sheet of plotting media and supported by an air bearing for movement in one coordinate direction relative to a frame and a plotting instrument supported on the frame for movement in another coordinate direction and in plotting relation to the plotting media. The carrier and the plotting instrument are driven in response to command signals received from a controller.