Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: Jewelry and a method of setting gemstones in the jewelry include an anchor gemstone and a touch gemstone that is held in place with no metal from the setting visible between the gemstones. The anchor gemstone is held in place using conventional setting means. The gemstones are positioned in the setting with the upper pavilion of the anchor gemstone overlapping and contacting the crown of the touch gemstone so that the contact between the gemstones holds the touch gemstone in place.

Abstract: A method is provided for molding a synthetic silica glass member. The method includes accommodating a synthetic silica glass bulk inside a molding vessel; interposing an elastic member having a ventilating property between a pressing member and the synthetic silica glass bulk; providing a fastener for fastening at least peripheral edge portions of the elastic member to the pressing member; and pressing the synthetic silica glass bulk against the molding vessel by the pressing member in a high-temperature condition to mold the synthetic silica glass bulk into a synthetic silica glass member having a shape conforming to a shape of the space defined by the pressing member and the molding vessel, the synthetic silica glass bulk being pressed in such a manner that the pressing member and the elastic member tightly fasten to each other through the fastener.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus consistent with the present invention apply one or more laser beams to a glass object, such as a tube. The beams may have differing wavelengths, energy levels, and/or focal length characteristics. As the beam (single or multiple) penetrates the glass tube, it creates a channel. The beam is provided through the channel to a starting point on a region of the glass tube, usually the region below an inside diameter surface of the tube. In one embodiment, the beam is used to selectively heat a reactant gas within the tube to deposit a coating/dopant layer on the inside diameter surface. In another embodiment, the coating layer is already present and the beam selectively heats the layer causing thermal diffusion of the coating material into the glass tube at the region being heated.

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding a glass base material having a core and a clad comprising: a grinding wheel for grinding the clad; a measuring unit for measuring an eccentricity between a center position of the glass base material and a center position of the core at a plurality of positions along a longitudinal direction of the glass base material; a design unit for calculating target diameters substantially continuous throughout the longitudinal direction of the glass base material so that the eccentricity becomes substantially zero for each of the plurality of positions; and a control unit for controlling the grinding wheel to grind the clad so that a diameter of the glass base material to be the target diameter substantially continuous throughout the longitudinal direction of the glass base material based on the target diameters calculated by the design unit.

Abstract: A system for locking a chain-operated valve to prevent unauthorized and inadvertent operation of the valve. The system is specifically advantageous for use with valves which cannot be easily accessed, i.e. in an overhead space, and therefore are operated by an elongated chain encircling a valve handle to permit remote operation by pulling the chain to rotate the valve in the appropriate direction for opening or closing. The system includes an elongated tube for receiving both lengths of a chain encircling the valve and a locking arrangement positioned at one end of the tube. Both lengths of the chain extending from the valve enter one end of the tube and exit the opposite end of the tube adjacent the lock arrangement. The lock arrangement includes a bracket secured to the tube and extending outwardly from the tube. The bracket preferably includes apertures for receiving a lockout hasp extending through the chain links and the bracket.

Abstract: A so-called super-lock condition of a door lock is achieved with a simple and compact construction. The door lock includes first and second lock/unlock mechanisms which establish the super-lock condition when assuming lock conditions respectively. The first and second lock/unlock mechanisms are actuated by an electric actuator mounted to the door lock. In a housing of the electric actuator, there are installed first and second electric motors and first and second operation levers.

Abstract: A panel, such as is intended for an aircraft wing panel, has continuous ribs extending on one surface. The panel is formed, or given a dihedral bend, by shot peening the ribs at a V-shaped section to expand the V-shaped sections and thus deform the panel. A strong formed panel is thus provided with continuous ribs. Further shot peening steps can be carried out on the panel for further shaping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a honeycomb body, which comprises a roll part for supplying a thin metal flat sheet via several rolls; a part for measuring the length of feed of the flat sheet which is fed through said roll part for supplying a flat sheet; a roll part for supplying a corrugated sheet to overlap the same onto said flat sheet via several rolls; a winding roll of a honeycomb body which is made by folding the overlapping flat and corrugated sheets in feed into a roll; a part for measuring the rotation angle of said winding roll; and a control part, which is connected respectively to said part for measuring the length and said part for measuring the rotation angle, wherein said control part controls the amount of winding of a honeycomb body by receiving and computing the measurement values therefrom.

Abstract: A crimping press provides increased accuracy and precision. Both a rotative measuring system, such as an encoder arranged at a motor shaft, and a linear measuring system such as, for example, a measuring head and a glass scale, are provided. The linear measuring system may be coupled between a tool holder and the fixed press stand. The measurement values generated by the rotative measuring system and the measuring values of the linear measuring system are fed to a regulating circuit for regulation of crimping height.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using &agr;-particle energy loss to measure the thickness and stoichiometry of films grown by molecular beam epitaxy and other methods. The apparatus for measuring the thickness of films grown on a substrate in a growth chamber, comprises a protective housing having an aperture opening into the growth chamber, a solid state detector disposed in the protective housing, a shutter for opening and closing the aperture, a shield disposed in the housing between the aperture and the solid state detector for shielding the detector, and a calibration source disposed between the shield and the detector for calibrating the measurements made by the detector. A second calibration source disposed between the shutter and the shield, for measuring deposition on the shield.

Abstract: A method for identifying an unknown gas using a diffusion limited sensor providing an electrical signal output when exposed to the gas. According to the method, a sensor is disposed in a chamber of fixed volume and having a gas input and gas output through which the gas flows, and the chamber is connected to a source of a known test gas of known concentration and known diffusion coefficient Dk. The input to the chamber is opened, causing the sensor to be exposed to the known test gas until a steady state electrical signal output from the sensor is obtained. The time Tk necessary for the sensor to attain a predetermined percentage of the steady state output is determined. The chamber is then connected to a source of unknown gas, and the input is opened, and time Tu necessary for the sensor to attain the predetermined percentage of a steady state output for the unknown gas is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of locating the source of a knock, or more generally of a high-gradient self-ignition, appearing in a combustion chamber of an engine. According to the method, several pressure detectors are used, the pressure waves received by the detectors are recorded, the distance differences between the source of the knock and the various detectors are determined and the spatial location of the knock source in the chamber is deduced therefrom.

Abstract: A system comprised of a computer that contains a display device such as monitor, an input device (e.g. a keyboard or a touch screen), a storage device such as a hard-drive, and software capable of collecting data. The data is collected from an adapter of which one end is attached to the computer and the other one end and attached to an automotive part. The automotive part is tested and performance data extracted. The data is sent to a remote location or to the computer where it is compiled for a wire variety of uses.

Abstract: A tire pressure indication system for a single or dual wheel tire assembly includes a pair of analog/digital readout pressure gauges and associated valve stems for individually monitoring and pressurizing the tire or tires of the wheel assembly. The tire pressure indication system may be attached to the outside wheel of the dual wheel assembly by a bracket structure mounted to the outside wheel with an adhesive tape or other suitable fastener. The tire pressure indication system provides for a tire pressure indication system that can be easily mounted to the wheel tire assembly without the use of a hubcap or other similar mounting structure.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive flow rate sensor that is high in productivity, superior in accuracy of flow rate measurement and sensitivity. A bottom face of a concave accommodating portion 18 of an supporting member 16 is provided with an adhesion face 24 for fastening a flow rate-detecting element 14 thereon with an adhesive 15, installation faces 25a, 25b for holding the flow rate-detecting element 14 thereon, and a protruding face 26 for blocking in a raised manner the whole area of a cavity 13 on the underside of the flow rate-detecting element 14. As a result of employing this construction, even when increasing an intake fluid to a large amount of flow, the protruding face 26 blocks the vicinity of the cavity 13. Therefore, the fluid to be measured hardly flows into the gap between the underside of the flow rate-detecting element 14 and the supporting member 16. Consequently, accuracy in flow rate measurement is improved.

Abstract: A sonic level measuring method comprises steps of disposing N sonic receivers 51,52,53, . . .

Abstract: A net zero isolator having an elongated linear displacement member; and first and second counter rotation members arranged crosswise to the linear displacement member at either end thereof, each of the first and second counter rotation members including a mounting portion spaced apart from an isolated portion on respective first and second sides of the elongated linear displacement member. The elongated linear displacement member and the first and second counter rotation members are structured such that a displacement of the mounting portions along the linear displacement member is balanced by a displacement of the isolated pads. The net zero isolator acts through each of the first and second counter rotation members to generate displacements of the isolated portions that cancel a linear displacement of the mounting portions.

Abstract: The method of and a device for using this method, on equipment or assigned to equipment for working a material, for investigating and identifying the nature of the material, which is to be worked and for making available at least one operating parameter for the optimized pre-setting of the working equipment, provides for the use of a sensor, preferably assigned directly to the working tool, such as a hammer drill, in order to detect shock waves generated or induced in the tool. From the shock wave signal measured, at least one distinguishing feature characteristic of the material to be worked, is extracted and evaluated for the comparative classification of the material by means of an algorithm. Preferably, an external force, especially the contacting force, acting on the working equipment, is taken into consideration for the algorithmic evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging with improved spatial sampling. The device includes a plurality of ultrasound imaging elements each having a pitch defined by the center to center spacing of the ultrasound imaging elements; and a motion mechanism operatively connected to the plurality of ultrasound imaging elements and adapted to move the plurality of ultrasound imaging elements over a distance to increase the spatial sampling of the plurality of ultrasound imaging elements. The method of the present invention includes transducing a signal from one or multiple ultrasound imaging elements within an array of ultrasound imaging elements; moving the array of ultrasound imaging elements a distance less than the pitch; and transducing at least one additional signal from the ultrasound imaging element.

Abstract: A physical sensor component includes a housing (110) having a cavity (112), a pressure sensor device (120) mounted in the cavity of the housing, and a chemically selective and physically selective filter (153) overlying the cavity of the housing and separated from the pressure sensor device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor component, in particular, a thin-film high-pressure sensor, as well as a sensor component, is described, in which at least one measuring element, in particular an expansion measuring strip is arranged on a membrane, and separated from the membrane through an electrically insulating film, the measuring element being arranged on an electrically insulating substrate, which is mounted in a subsequent step onto the membrane on the side that faces away from the measuring element, so that the electrically insulating substrate forms the electrically insulating film. The electrically insulating substrate performs both a carrier function during the application of the expansion measuring strip to the substrate as well as an insulation function after the mounting of the substrate onto the membrane. In this way, the application of a separate insulation film made of silicon dioxide becomes unnecessary.

Abstract: A diaphragm that distorts according to pressure applied thereon and a signal processor circuit are formed on a semiconductor substrate having an (110)-surface-orientation. Stain gauges converting the diaphragm distortion into an electric signal and forming a bridge circuit are formed on the diaphragm. The electric signal from the bridge circuit is processed by the signal processor circuit. A pair of transistors constituting an input circuit of an amplifier in the signal processor circuit are positioned on the substrate to equalize their source-drain current directions. Thermal stress influence on the sensor outputs is minimized since sensor components are formed on the substrate having the (110)-surface orientation, and thereby the pressure applied to the diaphragm is accurately detected.

Abstract: It is the objective of this invention to reduce deviation in contact resistance variation between electrodes among pressure-sensitive resistor sensors. The sensor is composed of a pair of films. One film has a plurality of electrode portions extending in a certain direction and the other film has at least one electrode portion that is arranged in a transverse relation with a plural of the electrode portions on the other film. Contact points generated by applied pressure are limited to crossing points between the electrode portions of the pair of films. As a result, variation in contact resistance due to applied pressure shift becomes more constant. Thus, it is possible to reduce deviation of contact resistance between the electrodes among sensors.

Abstract: A displacement transducer capable of measuring very small displacements (on the order of 100 &mgr;m or less) comprises a strain gage mounted to the curved arc of a substrate. The transducer has a resolution of at least 10 &mgr;m, preferably at least 1 &mgr;m or better. The transducer can measure positive or negative displacement in a specimen and can also be used as an extremely sensitive load cell for very high resolution weight, load or mass determinations.

Abstract: A magnetic flow sensor is configured to compensate for electrode related drifts by connecting the electrodes either to each other or to a reference voltage during most of an operating duty cycle. Some versions of the invention use multiple sensing heads in a single sensor to increase the magnitude of the flow related signal, either by interconnecting ones of the electrodes or by externally summing the signals. Additionally, some versions of the sensor can be used with weakly electrically conducting flow conduits, such as blood vessels.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow rate measuring method comprises steps of measuring an inner diameter of a pipe in a manner to subtract a corrosive resistance layer and its possible thickness deviation from the maximum deviation of an inner diameter presented as a pipe size within the range of being able to be estimated, measuring a flow rate QI of the ideal circular section having the measured inner diameter based on the ultrasonic multi-channel flow rate measuring method, calculating a flow rate QII of the remaining section according to a flow velocity distribution curve and adding the flow rate QII to the flow rate QI to calculate a total flow rate Q. Therefore, the method can enhance the accuracy of the flow rate measurement, if the section area of a pipe can't be measured, exactly, and the inner diameter of the pipe has a deviation due to an ovalness.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to detect efficiently and accurately small torque. A torque detector includes a first shaft portion (first torque detecting portion), a first strain gage, a second shaft portion (second torque detecting portion), and a second strain gage. The first strain gage is provided on the first shaft portion. The second shaft portion has lower rigidity than the first shaft portion. The second torque sensor is provided on the second shaft portion to measure smaller torque than the first strain gage.

Abstract: A test body is deformable with torsion upon application of torque to a turning shaft. First and second bearings each have a fixed collar, a turning collar, and rolling bodies arranged between them, the turning collar of the first bearing being connected with the test body near a first end of the test body, the turning collar of the second bearing being connected with the test body near a second end of the test body. The bearings are each equipped with a digital device for determining the angular position of the turning collar in relation to the fixed collar, with the digital devices including an annular device for generating magnetic pulses, mounted for turning jointly with the turning collar, and a fixed magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetic pulses and for delivering digital signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus 1 for simulating a vehicle collision which provides a reusable test for simulations. A carrier 2 with linear guide means is provided, so that a carriage 5 is movable relatively as well as translationally to the carrier 2, and that a foot plate 8 is linked to the carriage 5 so as to be rotationally movable about an axis of rotation a.

Abstract: An apparatus for the support of a cardan shaft within a gimbal ball includes a pair of cardan support cranes that are adapted to pivot around an inner elevation axis in the ball and which each support one of a pair of vibration isolators. Each end of the cardan shaft is supported by one of the vibration isolators. An outer elevation drive motor is attached to the ball and drives against a bevel section of a combination bevel sector and spur gear that is attached to an outer support structure, that supports the ball. The motor drives the ball in elevation relative to the outer support structure. This causes the ball to rotate relative to the bevel sector and spur gear.

Abstract: A shift lever boot includes a top face having a shift lever hole face and including a plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys, and a bellow-like skirt continuously connected to edges of the top face. All ridgelines of the crests and the valleys are parallel with respect to the cross direction of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A synchromesh-type transmission includes a shift and select shaft axially movable for carrying out a select operation and rotatable for carrying out a shift operation, a plurality of shift fork shafts each provided with a pair of shift heads, and an inner lever fixed to the shift and select shaft. The inner lever is disposed between the pair of shift heads according to the axial moving operation of the shift and select shaft and comes in contact with one of the shift heads according to the rotational moving operation of the shift and select shaft, wherein a shift stage is performed. The inner lever is located at a neutral position according to the rotational operation of the shift and select shaft for the shift operation, wherein no shift stage is performed.

Abstract: An arm structure for anthropomorphic robots minimizes the occurrence of a singularity state of a shoulder joint assembly while the arm of the anthropomorphic robot is normally working, for thereby allowing the arm to operate smoothly. The position and posture of first through third joints (11), (13), (15) of a shoulder joint assembly (5) and the position of an elbow joint assembly (6) with respect to the third joint (15) are established such that the elbow joint assembly (6) is located above a horizontal plane lying through the point of intersection of the axes (10), (12), (14) of the first through third joints (11), (13), (15), while the shoulder joint assembly (5) is operated into a singularity state wherein the first axis (10) of the first joint (11) and the third axis (14) of the third joint (15) are aligned with each other and the elbow joint assembly (6) is positioned laterally of a torso (1).

Abstract: A lever assembly includes a lever and a fastener for pivotally mounting the lever to a fixed support member. The lever is composed of a lever body made of a plastic and a reinforcement plate assembled with the plastic lever body. The lever body has a first groove formed in one surface of the lever body and extending from a central through-hole to a position in proximity of a mount hole formed at one end of the lever body, and a second groove formed in the opposite surface of the lever body and extending from the central through-hole to a position in proximity of the other end of the lever body. The reinforcement plate is fitted in the first and second grooves across the central through-hole of the lever body. The fastener comprised of a screw with flanged head has a portion lying over part of the reinforcement plate to prevent the reinforcement plate from displacing off the lever body.

Abstract: The tantalum powder for capacitors of the present invention has a specific surface area SB as determined by the BET method of 1.3 m2/g or more, and an SB/SF ratio between the specific surface area SB as determined by the BET method and the specific surface area SF determined by the FSS method of 4 to 10. This tantalum powder not only has a large specific surface area SB, but also has suitable cohesive strength and uniform porosity.

Abstract: A fine flaky copper powder having an average major axis diameter of 4 to 10 &mgr;m and a flakiness of 2 to 20, has a bulk density of 2 to 4 g/cm3 and a BET specific surface area of 0.4 to 1.5 m2/g; A process for producing the copper powder includes introducing a copper slurry into a medium type agitation mill and flattening the powder.

Abstract: When a mixture containing an iron oxide source and carbonaceous reducing agents is heated and reduced to manufacture metallic iron, carburizing and melting of solid metallic iron produced by heating and reducing are progressed efficiently so that metallic iron particles can be manufactured efficiently under high thermal energy efficiency.

Abstract: A direct smelting process and a fixed, ie non-rotatable, metallurgical vessel for producing metal from a metalliferous feed material is disclosed. The process is a molten bath-based process which includes injecting solid feed materials with a carrier gas into the molten bath via one or more downwardly extending lance/tuyere (11) and causing gas flow from the molten bath at a flow rate of at least 0.30 Nm3/s/m2 at the interface between the metal layer (15) and the slag layer (16) of the molten bath (under quiescent conditions).

Abstract: A fastener starter tool includes a number of spring retention fingers for retaining a small part, or combination of parts. The tool has an inner housing, which holds the spring retention fingers, a hand grip, and an outer housing configured to slide over the inner housing and the spring retention fingers toward and away from the hand grip, exposing and opening, or respectively, covering and closing, the spring retention fingers. By sliding the outer housing toward (away from) the hand grip, a part can be released from (retained by) the tool. The tool may include replaceable inserts, for retaining parts, such as screws, and configured to limit the torque applied to the part, to prevent cross threading. The inner housing has means to transfer torque from the hand grip to the insert. The tool may include replaceable bits, the inner housing having means for transferring torque to the replaceable bit.

Abstract: A hammering electric hand tool device with idle strike cutoff for a pneumatic striking mechanism with an axially fixed guide pipe and a hammer member striking in the interior of a rotatable tool holder, wherein the tool holder encloses the guide pipe on the radial outer side at least partially, at least in an axial, partial area, and the tool holder is mounted so as to be movable in an axially limited manner.

Abstract: The present invention a bit holder for use with a drill chuck includes a shaft adapted at one end for releasably mounting to the drill chuck, and at the other end for releasably mounting tool bits therein; and, a housing connected operably to said shaft, said housing defining bit compartments for releasably receiving tool bits therein. The bit holder further including a sleeve for positioning relative to said housing for selectively retaining or for selectively releasing tool bits in said bit compartments. Wherein said housing and said sleeve operably rotate relative each other, wherein said housing or sleeve rotate about a longitudinal shaft axis such that rotating said housing or said sleeve relative each other selectively retains or releases said bits from said bit compartments.

Abstract: In a die board for cutting and/or creasing sheet-type work material, a base is provided that includes a first upper surface and a second lower surface. At least one slot extends along the first upper surface and includes a first slot section extending from said first upper surface at least part-way through the die board base. The at least one slot also includes a second slot section extending from said second lower surface at least part-way through the die board base. The first and second slot sections each have a width with at least one of the slot section widths being adapted to grip and retain at least one die-board rule.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for exchanging workpieces which reduces the time required for exchanging workpieces by cutting down to a minimum the moving distance and the waiting time of a workpiece transport means. By the movement of a headstock 1, a chuck 2 transports a finished workpiece WA and an unfinished workpiece WB between a machining section near a tool rest 3 and a conveyer 4. The conveyer 4 conveys the finished workpiece WA from a workpiece exchanging position 4a and conveys the unfinished workpiece WB into the workpiece exchanging position 4a. A shift cylinder 11 transfers the unfinished workpiece WS from the conveyer 4 to a waiting station 6. An elevating plate 7 and a slider 9 transfer the finished workpiece WA from the chuck 2 to the conveyer 4. A lift cylinder 13 transfers the unfinished workpiece WB from the waiting station 6 to the chuck 2.

Abstract: A method for cutting a sheet-shaped material, comprises the steps of: (a) measuring, immediately before cutting a sheet-shaped material heated, temperature of the sheet-shaped material; (b) determining expansion of the sheet-shaped material based on the temperature thus detected and a room temperature; and (c) cutting the sheet-shaped material in anticipation of the expansion thus determined.

Abstract: The saw blade (1) includes an elongated body (2) having a longitudinal edge and defining a plane of main extension (6). A plurality of protrusions (4) each is located in the region of the longitudinal edge and each includes a seat (12). A plurality of form bodies (5) each is made of hard cutting material, has a cross section (15) and is connected to one of the seats (12). Each cross section (15) of the form bodies (5) in the plane of main extension (6) at a side facing the respective seat (5) is limited by a line (16) in the form of a circular arc, and at a side facing away from the respective seat (5) it is limited by a front line (17) of a surface (18). The line (16) in the form of a circular arc and the front line (17) enclose a wedge angle (22) which is less than approximately 90 degrees, and they are designed and arranged to form a free angle (23). A plurality of cutting portions (10) each extends approximately transverse with respect to the plane of main extension (6).

Abstract: A system for generating a high pressure fluid jet includes a variable pressure pump and a burst resistant delivery tube which safely conducts the pressurized stream to an instrument. The pump may include a disposable diaphragm pump cartridge which is driven by a reusable pump. The delivery tube may be a coiled hypo tube which enhances flexibility.

Abstract: A slicing machine has a blade, a stop plate extending parallel to the blade, and a carriage adapted to hold a sliceable product against the plate and displaceable past the blade to cut a slice from the product. A large-diameter disk is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the blade and is formed with a spiral groove. A follower coupled to the stop plate is engaged in the groove. A drive motor rotates the disk to displace the stop plate parallel to the blade axis. A small-diameter sensor wheel is positively coupled by a nonsmooth drive element to the disk. A sensor determines the angular position and rotation of the disk and generates an actual-value output corresponding thereto. A desired-value signal corresponding to a desired slice thickness is fed to a controller connected to the sensor and to the motor to make the output equal to the desired-value signal.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting a piece of large-sized, printed paper as large as the multiple of a piece of small-sized paper into the multiple number of pieces of small-sized paper each having letters and/or pictures printed thereon such as name cards. The cutting apparatus has two pairs of parallel-arranged rods rotatably supported in its casing. The first pair of parallel-arranged rods has paired sharp blades fixed thereto at a relatively large interval whereas the second pair of parallel-arranged rods has paired sharp blades fixed thereto at a relatively small interval. The two parallel-arranged rods each of the first and second pairs are separated such a predetermined distance as to allow the paired sharp blades to rub circumferentially on each other. A handle is rotatably fixed to the casing, and operatively connected to the two pairs of parallel-arranged rods for turning the paired rods in opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a sheet-shaped material, comprises the first blade, the second blade, the first holding members and the second holding members. The second blade is disposed to face the first blade so that a sheet-shaped material to be cut is placed between the first blade and the second blade. The first holding members are disposed on the opposite sides of the first blade, respectively. Each of the first holding members has a cushioning property by which each of the first holding members is elastically deformed to press the sheet-shaped material during cutting operation. The second holding members are disposed on the opposite sides of the second blade, respectively. Each of the second holding members has a cushioning property by which each of the second holding members is elastically deformed to hold the sheet-shaped material during cutting operation.