Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for slitting sheet material. The apparatus includes a first arbor shaft for mounting and rotatably driving a first rotary cutter. The first cutter is comprised of at least one rotary knife element having two opposite side faces, and the first arbor shaft is constructed to allow axially movement of the knife element along the first arbor shaft. A second arbor shaft mounts and rotatably drives a second rotary cutter. The second rotary cutter is comprised of at least one rotary knife element which has two opposite side faces and is movable axially along the second arbor shaft. The second arbor shaft is also selectively movable radially with respect to the first arbor shaft to provide a selected intermeshing overlap region between the first cutter knife element and the second cutter knife element.

Abstract: A casting assembly for controllably depositing an elongated, thin cast ribbon on a substrate includes a means for magnetically retaining the ribbon on the substrate. A relatively thin spacer leaf is secured in contacting relationship with the substrate to separate the substrate and the magnets. The spacer is flexible and resilient both in the direction of substrate movement and across the width of the substrate to accommodate irregularities in the surface and movement of the substrate, reducing belt wear and power requirements and improving smoothness of substrate movement.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus and related method for a continuous casting apparatus includes a series of spray nozzles for spraying a coolant against one surface of a moving chill substrate. The invention apparatus includes an enclosure having vacuum applied thereto for preventing migration of the sprayed coolant from the surface against which it is sprayed to the surface contacting the molten solidifying material. Any coolant having a tendency to escape along sealed edges of the enclosure is forced back into the enclosure by the pressure gradient. The edges are sealed by elongated plastic rods. Additionally, scrapers are provided for removing remanent coolant from the sprayed surface. The coolant is sprayed at a high velocity to increase its heat transferring efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for winding an advancing filament or the like being fed by a transfer device. The filament is clamped to a rotating winding wheel and the filament leader is cut for disposal. The apparatus includes a combined clamping and cutting element mounted for rotation with the wheel. The element includes a pivotable arm having a free cutting knife facing the direction of filament travel. When actuated, the arm pivots from an open position away from the wheel to a closed position wherein the arm engages the filament and the wheel so as to retain the advancing filament on the wheel. Following clamping engagement the rotating brush rollers pull the filament leader forcing the filament against the cutting edge as the wheel continues to rotate so as to cut the filament leader.