Abstract:
A laser cutting system comprises a means for controllably delivering sheet material to a laser cutter and automatically removing cut pieces of sheet material and scrap. The sheet material is supported on an inclined bed having longitudinal slots and the means for delivering sheet material comprises an engagement mechanism which engages an end of the sheet material while supported on the bed by frictionally or penetrably engaging the sheet material and a movement means for moving the engagement mechanism and the associated sheet material longitudinally of said slots. Vacuum means are provided to hold the sheet material on the inclined bed during cutting, which vacuum means are deactivated after cutting to allow the cut pieces and scrap to slide down the bed out of a cutting region to make room for a fresh worksheet. Various means are provided for facilitating the removal of the cut sheet material from the bed.
Abstract:
A material unloading conveyor is arranged in overlapping relation to the discharge end of a bristle conveyor and includes an endless belt which has a plurality of U-shaped staples secured to its surface to pivot relative thereto. The staples move in combing relation to the bristles, which comprise the bristle conveyor, and the material supporting surface defined by the bristles to lift sheet material from the bristle conveyor and onto the unloading conveyor as the material is discharged by the bristle conveyor.
Abstract:
A cutting apparatus includes a cutting tool in the form of a cutting wheel which rolls along a cutting path in cutting engagement with sheet material spread over a support surface. A second cutting tool is mounted adjacent the cutting wheel for notching the material along the path. The apparatus also includes actuator for moving the notching tool toward and away from the support surface to effect a notch. With the cutting tools mounted adjacent one another, a notch may be effected in the material as the cutting wheel moves along a cutting path.
Abstract:
An automatically controlled cutting machine for cutting sheet material employs a cutting wheel and a hard, smooth and continuous surface of ferromagnetic material 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 an electromagnet mounted on the cutting wheel support to insure severing of the sheet material.
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:
An automatically controlled machine for cutting single plies of limp sheet material employs a cutting wheel and a hard, smooth and continuous support surface on which the sheet material is spread for cutting. The machine is controlled by a program to move the cutting wheel along predetermined cutting paths that define pattern pieces for clothing, upholstery and similar products. The machine has a rotatable marking tool that includes a consumable shaft of marking matter such as chalk. The shaft is translated over the sheet material cut by the machine and is lowered into engagement with the material at desired locations to generate nonpermanent marks for positional reference in subsequent cutting, sewing or other finishing operations.
Abstract:
Apparatus for cutting limp sheet material comprises a computer-positioned fluid jet cutting tool supported for movement above and relative to a bed of vertically elongated upwardly projecting members which have pointed free upper ends disposed in a generally common plane to define a fluid permeable sheet material supporting surface. The bed has fluid passageways therethrough which communicate with a fluid collection chamber therebelow. Vacuum apparatus independent of the fluid collection chamber is provided for normalizing or compressing a lay-up of limp sheet material resting on the supporting surface so that the individual sheets which comprise the lay-up collectively assume the characteristics of a rigid solid mass.
Abstract:
Apparatus for applying a substance to a layup of sheet material at a selected location on each of the sheets which comprise the layup includes a table for supporting the layup, a tool assembly including an axially elongated rotary applicator tool having a sharp free end, a carriage assembly movable relative to the supporting surface of the table for positioning the applicator tool with its free end in alignment with the selected position, a mechanism for feeding a supply of the substance to the applicator tool, a first drive mechanism for rotating the applicator tool about its axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the applicator tool toward the layup supporting surface whereby to cause the free end of the tool to penetrate the layup and for moving the tool away from the supporting surface to withdraw it from the layup. The substance may comprise a liquid, a solid material or a paste-like substance.
Abstract:
A fluid jet cutting apparatus has a material supporting bed comprising a tank-like structure and containing a substance maintained in at least a partially frozen condition by refrigerant coils. The solidified surface of the substance provides a supporting surface for material to be cut and is reconstituted after a jet of cutting fluid passes therethrough.
Abstract:
A lay table is placed adjacent to a cutting table with the tables in end-to-end relationship so that layups of limp sheet material may be prepared on the lay table and then be moved onto the cutting table for a cutting operation. A sled formed by a low friction, non-stretching, sheet material is first placed on the lay table and the layup is then formed on top of the sled. Motor-driven cabling extends between the cutting table and the lay table and when a layup is to be moved, the sled is coupled to the cabling and pulled by the cabling with a layup thereon onto the cutting table. The layup on the cutting table is then clamped in position, and the cabling pulls the sled out from between the layup and the cutting table.