Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting sheet material upon an apertured support surface, the apparatus including a pair of spaced apart parallel cutters. The cutters are spaced apart by a distance greater than a dimension of the apertures, but less than an inter aperture distance so that at least one of the cutters remains in cutting contact with the support surface when the remaining cutter passes over an aperture. The method includes selectively overcutting and undercutting the line segments at an intersection to ensure continuity of cut paths of both cutters.

Abstract: A vacuum hold down conveyor system employing a vacuum table with a plurality of suction grooves and relief grooves extending parallel to a direction of travel. A vacuum generator is fluidly connected to the suction grooves to create a sub-ambient pressure in the suction grooves. A belt is translatable relative to the vacuum table to simultaneously occlude the suction and the relief grooves. The relief grooves are exposed to a pressure greater than the suction grooves to thereby reduce the net downward force on the belt as it translates across the vacuum table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a support surface during successive cuts of a sheet material along a common cutting path by a laser. The method includes offsetting the location of the common cutting path with respect to the support surface for subsequent cuts. The offset distance is sufficient to align a portion of the common cutting path with a portion of the ridge of debris formed during a previous cut such that upon tracing the subsequent path with the laser, the previously formed ridge of debris is ablated.