Patent ID: 6681671
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: B26D,B26F,B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus for precision cutting belt material for the formation of a puzzle cut joint in the construction of a continuous belt for use in document processing machines, comprising:a precision cutter mounted for longitudinal and transverse computer controlled motion over a cutting table on which is secured belt material registered in position with respect to said precision cutter, said precision cutter controlled to cut said belt material to predetermined dimensions; a pick and place mechanism comprising vacuum bars connected to a source of vacuum and supported for movement into engagement with said cut belt material, said pick and place mechanism supported for computer controlled motion to and from said precision cutter table to transport the cut belt material from the precision cutter in a predetermined path; a punch press having first and second punch and die sets for cutting the ends of the cut belt material in a shape to form said puzzle cut, said punch press positioned adjacent said precision cutter in said predetermined path of said pick and place mechanism; a punch press position monitor on said punch press for determining the position of the cut belt material in the punch press and for generating a signal relative to the registration of said cut belt material with respect to said punch and die sets; and a process controller connected to actuate said precision cutter, said pick and place mechanism, and said punch press according to a predetermined process, said punch press actuation being at least partially in response to signals from said punch press position monitor.