Abstract: A slitting machine comprising at least two knife holders, each of which has a respective knife rotatably mounted thereon; individually activatable electromagnets disposed on the knife holders; a single magnetostrictive rod, wherein all of said electromagnets are disposed along a length of the single rod, and wherein the electromagnets are adapted to be spaced as close as 0.5 inch from one another; and means for processing an interrogation by the magnetostrictive rod of activated ones of the electromagnets, and for indicating the position of at least one of the knife holders relative to the rod.

Abstract: A slitting machine having at least two knife holders, with a respective knife rotatably mounted on each knife holder. Individually activatable electromagnetic sensors are disposed on the knife holders, and a single magnetostrictive rod extends through a portion of all of the electromagnetic sensors. A unit processes interrogations by the rod of activated ones of the electromagnetic sensors for indicating the position of at least one of the knife holders relative to the rod.