Patent ID: 6880438

Claim:
A method 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 the steps of: registering a belt material in operative position with a precision cutter; securing said belt material in said operative position; controlling said precision cutter to accurately cut said belt material to its final dimensions; releasing said belt material and securing said belt material on a transport mechanism by means of a vacuum pickup; transporting said belt material from said precision cutter to a punch press having first and second punch and die sets; monitoring the position of said belt material relative to said first and second die sets and generating a signal relative thereto; adjusting the position of the belt material relative to said first and second die sets for accurate registration therewith; and controlling the operation of said first and second punch and die sets in response to said position signals to cut mating shapes to form said puzzle cut joint.