Abstract: An improved cutting apparatus and method used in a wire scribing device, said cutting apparatus having a cutter blade attached to a wiring head, and having a z-axis actuator for precisely controlling the movement of the cutter blade in the z-direction. A gauge height finder, attached to the wiring head determines a distance between the wiring head and the substrate, wherein the determined distance is used to control the z-axis actuator for lowering the cutter blade so as to precisely cut the conductor on the surface of the substrate. Furthermore, the cutting apparatus may include a cutter bracket attached to the wiring head, having a preloaded spring fixed thereto. Wherein this spring is preloaded to a preset force and wherein the spring is positioned above the cutter blade so that an upward force on the cutter blade is transmitted to the spring.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for supporting a frame for pivotation of the frame relative to a selected axis of pivotation. A plurality of connectors are attached to the frame at pivot support points on the frame, and the connectors are supported by a plurality of bearing posts that are arranged in a determined geometric relationship such that each connector is movable on its respective bearing post along an axis of travel, the axis of travel for each of the connectors passing through a common travel axis convergence point. The determined geometric relationship further directs the frame to have a positional reference mode in which all of the pivot support points are positioned on the circumference of a reference circle that intersects the axis of pivotation at an initial pivotation center, the initial pivotation center being located at one end of a reference diameter of the reference circle, and the travel axis convergence point being located at the other end of the reference diameter.