Abstract: A cutting assembly for severing a chain of linked articles joined together by joining segments, the linked articles and joining segments being comprised of a semi-rigid casing, for example, collagen, the cutting assembly having a pair of knives positioned perpendicular to the path of movement of the linked articles, the distance between the knives adjustable to accommodate joining segments of differing lengths, the knives being activated upon registration of the joining segments between the knives to sever the joining segments from adjacent linked articles.

Abstract: An improved link separator guide for use with a link separator to aid in the alignment and successive positioning of linked material at a severing station, at the joining segment of the linked material, the improved guide having an arcuate channel substantially conforming to a portion of the circumference of the linked material, the guide having recess semicircular indents for the drive rollers of the link separator to cooperate with the arcuate channel in order to partially encapsulate a portion of the circumference of the linked material in order to position the linked material at the severing station.