Abstract: An acceleration sensor including a sensor chip for converting into an electrical signal an acceleration applied in a direction of a sensitive axis parallel to a board face of a printed circuit board, which has a first wire bonding face, a wiring base for supporting the sensor chip, which includes second and third wire bonding faces and a wiring pattern formed on the second and third wire bonding faces and a package for accommodating the wiring base having the sensor chip mounted thereon, which has a mounting face to be mounted on the board face of the printed circuit board and a fourth wire bonding face substantially parallel to the mounting face such that the wiring pattern on the third and second wire bonding faces of the wiring base can be connected to pads of the package and pads of the sensor chip, respectively.

Abstract: A rotation detecting device A, in which a body 5 being detected, for rotation with a front wheel (wheel) 10 is mounted on that insertion portion 1a of a housing 1, through which an axle shaft S is inserted, and rotation of the body 5 being detected is detected by a magnetism detecting element (magnetism detecting means) 3, the body 5 being detected comprising a cylindrical portion (detecting portion) 5a, rotation of which is detected by the magnetism detecting element 3, and an elastic rotation transmitting portion (rotation transmitting portion) 5c for transmitting rotation of the front wheel 10 to the cylindrical portion 5a.

Abstract: By applying a first value of voltage to a first side of a MEMS gyroscope and applying a second value of voltage to a second side of the MEMS gyroscope, the start time of the MEMS gyroscope may be improved. The first and second value of voltage may be provided by a bias power source, such as a battery or a super capacitor. The first value of voltage may be substantially equal in magnitude to and opposite in polarity to the second value of voltage. The bias power source may also be applied to drive electronics connected to the MEMS gyroscope. The bias power source may prevent amplifiers within the drive electronics from saturating during the start time.

Abstract: An rate-of-rotation sensor having a Coriolis element, which is arranged over a surface of a substrate, is described. The Coriolis element is induced to oscillate in parallel to a first axis. In response to a Coriolis force, the Coriolis element is deflected in a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis. A proof element is provided to prove the deflection.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to various microdevices including sensors, actuators, valves, scanning mirrors, accelerometers, switches, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro inertia sensor and a method of manufacturing the same, the micro inertia sensor includes a lower glass substrate; a lower silicon including a first border, a first fixed point and a side movement sensing structure; an upper silicon including a second border, a second fixed point being connected to a via hole, in which a metal wiring is formed, on an upper side, and an sensing electrode, which correspond to the first border, the first fixed point and the side movement sensing structure; a bonded layer by a eutectic bonding between the upper silicon and the lower silicon; and a upper glass substrate, being positioned on an upper portion of the upper silicon, for providing the via hole on which an electric conduction wiring is formed, thereby aiming at the miniaturization of the product and the simplification of the process.

Abstract: A method for detecting an obstruction in a flow duct is provided. The method includes the steps of directing gas through at least one port of the flow duct, measuring a flow noise level of the gas directed through the at least one port, and comparing the noise level with a predetermined noise level. In the event that the flow noise level exceeds the predetermined noise level by at least a threshold amount, then the method includes the step of indicating the presence of an obstruction in the at least one port.

Abstract: While a transmitting transducer (2a) for transmitting an ultrasonic wave and a receiving transducer (2b) for receiving an ultrasonic wave are moved within a predetermined circular region (7) on a surface of a material being measured, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received 10,000 times. Then, arithmetic averaging is performed every time an ultrasonic wave is received, on the ultrasonic wave and ultrasonic waves that have been received until then. For example, the aforementioned predetermined frequency is given by ((n±(1/2))×(106×v/&Dgr;L))(Hz), where &Dgr;L is a variation in distance between the transmitting transducer and the receiving transducer, v is a transmission velocity of an ultrasonic wave transmitting in a material being detected, and n is a natural number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying thickness modulations, in particular watermarks, in or on sheet material. To diminish the influence of disturbances from the surroundings and reduce the adjustment effort during production and maintenance of corresponding measuring systems, the sheet material is subjected to sound, in particular ultrasound, the sound transmitted through the sheet material and/or reflected on the sheet material is measured at a plurality of places on the sheet material, at least one value characteristic of the transmitted and/or reflected sound is generated for each of the places, and the thickness modulations are verified by comparing the values with predetermined reference values.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a relaxor material lead iron tungstate which has been synthesized in doped and undoped conditions by single and two step heat treatment. The relaxor material is seen to exhibit almost negligible hysteresis and a transducer made thereby shows pressure measurement capability over a wide range from 0.5 MPa to 415 MPa with accuracy of ±0.05%.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a relaxor material lead iron tungstate which has been synthesized in doped and undoped conditions by single and two step heat treatment. The relaxor material is seen to exhibit almost negligible hysteresis and a transducer made thereby shows pressure measurement capability over a wide range from 0.5 MPa to 415 MPa with accuracy of ±0.05%.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting, locating and quantifying a physical phenomena such as strain or a deformation in a structure. A plurality of laterally adjacent conductors may each include a plurality of segments. Each segment is constructed to exhibit a unit value representative of a defined energy transmission characteristic. A plurality of identity groups are defined with each identity group comprising a plurality of segments including at least one segment from each of the plurality of conductors. The segments contained within an identity group are configured and arranged such that each of their associated unit values may be represented by a concatenated digit string which is a unique number relative to the other identity groups. Additionally, the unit values of the segments within an identity group maintain unique ratios with respect to the other unit values in the identity group.

Abstract: A rheometer 1, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1, comprising an upper die 2 and a lower die 3. Extending on the vertical axis of this die arrangement is a pneumatic cylinder shaft 6, which is connected to the heater element 4 and insulator layer 5 of the upper die 2. The lower die 3 is supported by a bearing 8 which allows a lower die to rotate about an axis which is in line with that of the pneumatic cylinder 6. A lower die 3 is caused to oscillate in a rotation manner of at a vertical axis in line with the pneumatic cylinder, which is also connected to a transducer 12 which measures the force needed to keep the upper die to substantially stationary as rotation occurs. Alternatively, a lower die 2 can be have substantially stationery while a rotor head 16 holds the material to be tested. This case the forces required to maintain oscillation of the rotor head 16 in the material are tested by the transducer 12.

Abstract: A system for dispensing cryogenic liquid to a use device includes a bulk storage tank providing LNG to a sump containing a meter submerged in LNG. A temperature probe is also submerged in the LNG. A dispensing line is positioned between the meter and dispensing hose and includes a dispensing valve. A drain line bypasses the dispensing valve and features a check valve so that LNG trapped in the hose after dispensing is returned to the sump due to pressurization by ambient heat. A capacitance probe is submerged in the LNG in the sump and provides a dielectric that is compared by a microprocessor with the dielectric for pure methane at the same temperature to determine the purity of the LNG. An approximate linear relation between density and dielectric may be used to determine density and mass flow for the LNG from the measured dielectric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow meter comprising a microprocessor that calculates an applied irrigation amount for a time period for an area of an irrigated site. Additionally, the microprocessor determines a calculated watering requirement and a mathematical relationship between the calculated watering requirement and the applied irrigation amount. The flow meter further comprises an output device that provides information on the applied irrigation amount and the result of the mathematical relationship to at least one of an irrigation user and a third party. Preferably the calculated watering requirement is at least partly derived from ETo data. It is further contemplated that the microprocessor, disposed in the flow meter, will also detect, record and display flow anomalies. The flow anomalies may be due to power outages, flow meter malfunctions, and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a slim type fingerprint recognition device including: a TFT fingerprint input device having a structure where a plurality of unit cells including an light sensing unit and a switching unit are aligned; and a contact light emitting device being installed on the TFT fingerprint input device, the TFT fingerprint input device and the contact light emitting device being adhered to each other by an adhesive layer, one alternating current terminal being connected to a transparent electrode layer of the contact type light emitting device.

Abstract: A multi-chambered pump-valve device for performing chemical processes, detections or analyses is described herein. The device includes a plurality of chambers having variable volumes in fluid communication with one another via one or more passageways. Liquid may be directed through the device by merely changing the volumes of two or more chambers. Despite the simplicity of the mode for transferring liquids in the device, complex chemical processing sequences may be performed using the device. A plurality of devices may be incorporated into a larger apparatus so that a plurality of chemical processing operations may be performed substantially simultaneously in parallel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the measurement of the fracture toughness of a coating or surface, in which method a hard stylus is drawn with an increasing normal force along the surface of an object so that the surface undergoes damage by fracture. Using an optical, acoustical or other technical method, the location of the first cracks on or near the scratch groove is measured, the frictional forces at the crack positions are measured, and, using these data, the fracture toughness of the coating or surface is calculated via a fracture mechanical analysis. The scratching of the surface using a hard stylus with a force increasing in a controlled manner can be implemented via a so-called scratch test known in prior art, by providing it with acoustic emission or equivalent detector measuring the location of appearance of the first crack, provided that it includes a force detector for continuous measurement of frictional force.

Abstract: A sensor carrier for an in-tube inspection scraper has setting places for installation of monitoring sensors responsive to any diagnostic parameters of a pipeline being inspected. The carrier includes a set of kinematically interconnected sensor supports that are subjected to an elastic force in the radial direction from the carrier axis. The supports are made as elastic ring-shaped elements or as rows of interconnected elements adjoining the pipe wall or are fixed on elastic components such as rings or sectors of sleeves, and/or are connected to a housing capable of bending. Installed on the supports between the sensors and the internal surface of the pipeline are elastic gaskets. The carrier allows one to increase the efficiency of the flaw detection in pipelines having defects of geometry in the cross section.

Abstract: A system for carrying out research on a drivable vehicle or a component thereof, comprising: a test stand on which the vehicle or the component can be positioned, which vehicle or which component is provided with at least one sensor for receiving signals from the environment of the said vehicle or of the said component, at least one object which is situated in the vicinity of the test stand, means for generating a relative movement between the test stand and the at least one object, and a control computer for coordinating the relative movement between the test stand and the object.

Abstract: System, Position Transmitter and a Receiving Device for Reliably Transmitting the Position of a Control Element, and the Use Thereof.

Abstract: A surrogate for testing an effect of physical trauma on a whole or portion of a natural biological animal body where the surrogate has a surrogate bone or bones and material replicating the effect of flesh around such a bone or bones. Also disclosed are further parts of a natural body which are replicated with surrogate materials in a surrogate construction including skin, tendons, arteries, and joints between bones as well as sensors for measuring the effect of any trauma caused.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving a transfer between rotary and reciprocating motion includes a supporting framework, and a crankshaft mounted for rotation within a fixed bearing on the framework. A circular, fixed sun element is centered on the axis of the crankshaft. A circular planetary element is mounted for rotation on the free end of the crank arm with a connecting rod rigidly connected between the planetary element and a wrist pin that is rotably connected to a piston rod which is in turn supported for rectilinear reciprocation. A drive means e.g., a chain, belt, gear or mechanical coupling is operatively connected between the sun element and the planetary element for rotating the connecting rod in the opposite direction from the crankshaft to thereby impart back and forth motion to the piston rod as the planetary element revolves in one direction and rotates in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A device for adjusting parts which can move in relation to each other, especially parts of adjustable furniture, comprising: a driveable threaded hollow spindle (1) whose inner and outer threads increase in opposing directions; an inner spindle (2) which cooperates with the inner thread of the threaded hollow spindle (1) and which is connected to a first fixing device in order to secure the device to one of the moveable parts; and a propulsive tube (4) cooperating with the outer thread of the threaded hollow spindle (1) via an outer nut (3), whereby said tube is connected to a second fixing device (6) enabling fixation on one of the parts which can move in relation to each other. In order to keep the area between the parts which can move in relation to each other as small as possible, the threaded hollow spindle (1) is mounted in a rotationally fixed and longitudinally displaceable manner on a catch device which can be rotationally driven around the axis of the hollow spindle (1).

Abstract: An automatic transmission having change gears which include a first path to directly transmit torque of an input shaft to an output shaft, and a second path to transmit the torque through an intermediate shaft on a driving force path from the input shaft to the output shaft. The first path includes at least one output gear on the output shaft which is engageable and disengageable by a shift sleeve. The output gear is connected at downstream thereof to the second path. The second path includes a first intermediate gear on the intermediate shaft to input the torque, a clutch, and a second intermediate gear rotatably supported through the clutch to output the torque. The output shaft includes a middle speed output gear to mesh with the second intermediate gear so as to form a middle-speed change gear.

Abstract: An automatic transmission having input and output shafts, a plurality of gear trains, a shift mechanism, and a sub clutch. An actuator operates the shift mechanism to shift the gear trains according to a driving state of the vehicle. The sub clutch transmits the driving force from the input shaft to the output shaft during gearshift. The driving force transmitting path in which the sub clutch is disposed, forms a third speed gear train that is the third gear counted from the gear having the maximum speed ratio. The sub clutch functions as a third speed shift mechanism for the third speed gear train.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to dissolve the shock originated from engaging and disengaging of the clutch during acceleration, when using a mesh type transmission provided with a clutch for engaging and disengaging the shift gear and the output shaft.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission, the vehicle motion can be started forward or backward, in which vehicle running suitable for a slippery road can be achieved automatically. For this purpose, a drive wheel spin detector is provided to detect whether the drive wheel is spinning. A sub-clutch is provided to engage one of the gear trains, other than the first-speed and reverse gear trains. A controller is provided to connect the sub-clutch when a shift position is in a first-speed or a reverse position and when the drive wheel spin detector detects that the drive wheel is spinning.

Abstract: An automatic transmission in which a plurality of gear trains is shifted by a shift mechanism which has at least two stages, including stronger and weaker operational force stages. Shift operation of the shift mechanism is started with the weaker operation force, and is switched to the stronger operation force when the movement of the shift mechanism is detected. Ratio of rotating speeds of input and output shafts is controlled by a clutch variably controlling the transmitted torque. Shift operation of the shift mechanism is switched to the stronger operation force when the ratio of rotating speeds of input and output shafts is close to the rotating speed of the gear being selected.

Abstract: Landing gear for selectively supporting a semitrailer and a method of assembly of the landing gear is provided. The landing gear includes a leg having an upper section and a lower section telescopingly received in the upper section. A lead screw extends and retracts the upper and lower sections relative to each other upon rotation thereof. An input shaft applies a torque to the lead screw to drive rotation thereof, the input shaft being rotatable about a rotation axis and movable in translation along the rotation axis for shifting between a first position for low gear operation and a second position for high gear operation. An output shaft, axially aligned with the input shaft, has an output gear for transmitting torque to the lead screw. A gearing subassembly is received in the upper leg section and is configured to augment lift when the input shaft is in the first position and augment speed in the second position.

Abstract: A Device for Externally Rotary Drive of Offset Motor, comprising: external rotary assembly, offset Means, drive motor and transmission means; the external rotary assembly carries the hub to rotation by a central shaft immobilized in line with an offset means fixed internally to the hub, on the offset means is quipped a drive motor whereof the output shaft terminal incorporates a transmission means to drive the hub, whereby the drive motor carries the external rotary assembly.

Abstract: According to the invention, a “Geneva” movement mechanism is used which is turned in one direction or the other by an electric motor. The mechanism comprises a “Maltese” cross turning about the axis of rotation of the rotor and supporting an annular piece. The Maltese cross is mechanically coupled to a ball screw lying on said axis of rotation so as to transform the turning notion into motion that includes a linear component, thereby enabling the annular piece to be moved at will towards and away from the rotor so as to make it possible to obtain contact and then blocking in a self-blocking manner against a fixed wall, or on the contrary so as to release the rotor by moving the annular piece in translation in the opposite direction. The invention is applicable to an inertia wheel for controlling the attitude of a satellite.

Abstract: An automatic tension device of a brake includes a fixing base, a brake lever, a worm, a worm wheel, a gap adjusting screw, a pull hook, a cable guide seat, and a cable. The brake lever is pivotally mounted on the fixing base. The worm has one end having a periphery provided with one-direction ratchet teeth. The gap adjusting screw has a through hole for passage of the cable and has an outer thread screwed into the inner thread of the worm wheel. The pull hook is provided with an one-direction ratchet tooth that may be locked with one of the one-direction ratchet teeth of the worm. Thus, the automatic tension device may be used to adjust and shorten the braking gap between the brake pad and the tire automatically.

Abstract: A pedal mounting structure which includes a pedal arm (3) including a pedal (2); a supporting unit (5, 6) pivotally supporting the pedal arm (3) as turnable in accordance with a stepping operation onto the pedal (2); and a first fixture (8) and a second fixture (9) for fitting the supporting unit (5, 6) to a vehicle body (10). The second fixture (9) is provided in a position closer to the pedal (2) than the first fixture (8), and is fitted to a portion having a smaller deformation upon a collision of a vehicle than a portion to which the first fixture (8) is fitted.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of the brake lever of a motorcycle comprises a bracket (5) connectable to a handlebar (4), a brake lever (2) extending in an essentially longitudinal direction (X-X), pivotally mounted on the bracket (5) and intended to be moved towards or away from a hydraulic actuator (3), and an adjustment lever (9) pivotally mounted on the bracket (5) and functionally connected to the brake lever (2) in order to operate the hydraulic actuator (3) when the brake lever (2) moves towards the hydraulic actuator (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary damper comprising a damper body mounted on a rotary shaft, a cam mechanism provided in the damper body to set a rotation pattern of the rotary shaft, a restoring force accumulating member which accumulates a restoring force in accordance with rotation of the rotary shaft, and a rotation control member for controlling the rotation of the rotary shaft, wherein the damper body is formed by setting a bottomed, cylindrical outer case having an opening at one end thereof and a bottomed, cylindrical inner case having an opening at one end thereof face to face with each other and fitting the two with each other rotatably, and the rotation control member is interposed between an inner periphery surface of the outer case and an outer periphery surface of the inner case on an outer periphery side of the damper body.

Abstract: A shaft damping device includes a damping ring having a splined bore, a shaft having at least one spline, and a fluid feed system. The shaft is disposed within the splined bore such that the splines of the shaft mesh with the splined bore, forming a damping space therebetween. The fluid feed system is operable to control a quantity of a fluid within the damping space.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for: producing high-purity ferroboron by using inexpensive mass-produced steel as a base iron; and producing a mother alloy for an iron-base amorphous alloy and an iron-base amorphous alloy, the alloys having excellent properties, by using the ferroboron thus produced as a raw material. The methods include: a method for producing high-purity ferroboron by using mass-produced steel obtained through a converter, an electric furnace or the like and having an Al content of 0.03 mass % or less as a base iron; a method for producing a mother alloy by adjusting the chemical composition thereof by adding a diluent base iron and auxiliary materials to the produced ferroboron; and a method for producing an iron-base amorphous alloy by preferably using mass-produced steel obtained through a converter or an electric furnace and having an Al content of 0.

Abstract: A niobium or tantalum powder of the present invention comprises aggregates in which primary particles of niobium or tantalum are aggregated, and have a pore distribution having a peak in the range from 1 to 20 &mgr;m as measured by mercury porosimetry. That is, the niobium or tantalum powder of the present invention comprises aggregates having large pores, which connect with vacancies between the primary particles and facilitate the permeation of an electrolyte over the entirety of the inside of each aggregate. Accordingly, a solid electrolytic capacitor comprising an anode electrode made of the niobium or tantalum powder has high capacity and also a low ESR.

Abstract: Improved methods for the extraction or dissolution of metals, metalloids or their oxides, especially lanthanides, actinides, uranium or their oxides, into supercritical solvents containing an extractant are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments specifically include enhancing the extraction or dissolution efficiency with ultrasound. The present methods allow the direct, efficient dissolution of UO2 or other uranium oxides without generating any waste stream or by-products.

Abstract: The seal removal tool quickly and easily removes wax seals or other wax-like materials utilized as seals or decorative adornment on narrow neck, stopper-closed bottles such as wine bottles and the like. Removal of the wax seal prior to extracting the bottle stopper eliminates contamination of the stopper-extracting device, typically a corkscrew, by all or a portion of the seal. The operation of the tool can be accomplished by persons of right-handed or left-handed dominance. Seal removal is accomplished by one or more sequential operations utilizing various unique elements of the tool.

Abstract: A washer which has a body having a first bearing face surface at one axial side and adapted to cooperate with a nut, a second bearing face surface at an opposite axial side and adapted to cooperate with an object, at least one third turning resistant surface adapted to cooperate with a thread of the bolt, and at least one breaking point arranged so that when the nut is turned and turns the bolt the washer stops the bolt from turning and thereby the nut creates a pull on the bolt which elongates the bolt in an axial direction and applies to the washer an axial force which breaks said body of the washer and allows a portion of said body of the washer to be pulled axially when the bolt elongates; and also a fastener, a method of fastening objects, and a tool for fastening objects can be provided with the new washer.

Abstract: A tool that can be used even in confined quarters with fluid distribution system branch pipe connecting valves, such as corporation valve stops and ball valves, while giving the user an indication of the location of the connecting valve turn key in relation to the connected to distribution pipe, thus helping to eliminate the need for excavating wider trenches. The tool has a top connecting element (10) with a means for attaching (20) to a torque force transfer tool, such as a ratchet wrench, and which through the encompassing effect of its sides (30N, 30E, 30S, and 30W, or alternatively 30C) and through its torque force transfer contact surfaces (30E and 30W or alternatively 41E, 41W, 70, 75L 75R, and 80) provides more protection and better effective distribution of torque force to the body of such connecting valves and enables easier installation.

Abstract: A reversible adjustable wrench comprises a handle, which has a fixed jaw and a guiding groove at an end thereof. The fixed jaw has a gap and two cover pieces secured at lateral sides of the fixed jaw to form a chamber having an opening. The chamber has a guiding face therein, which has a stop portion at an end thereof closing to the tip end of the fixed jaw. A movable jaw has an end thereof slidable received in the guiding groove of the handle. An adjusting worm is pivoted at the handle for driving the movable jaw moving toward and away from the fixed jaw.

Abstract: The tool has a head having an open mouth (21, 70c, 131, 208) with at least one pocket (30, 80, 204) in the head adjacent the open mouth and a perimeter defining an open space into which an item being turned is positioned. A tapered jaw member (32, 72-77, 92/94, 104/106, 72a-77a, 202) is at the open mouth. It has a tooth portion forming a portion of the perimeter of the open mouth and a mounting portion is seated within the pocket and mounted to move reciprocally along a linear path within the pocket.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool including a housing (1) having a handle (7), and a holding device (3) having a catch element (9) and a locking device (11) for releasably securing the catch element (9) to the tool housing (1), with the catch element (g) being secured to the housing (1) in a plane passing through a pivot point (S) and extending parallel to the machine plane defined by the plane of the handle (7) and the operational direction (H) of the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially nullifying vibration and deflection in a single point lens turning lathe (100) having a rapidly reciprocating lens cutting tool (114) and shuttle assembly. The apparatus includes three or more tool shuttles (108, 110, 112) of similar mass mounted for reciprocating movement along respective generally parallel shuttle paths. The shuttles (108, 110, 112) are reciprocally moveable by respective actuators (118, 120, 122) along their respective shuttle paths. The shuttle and tool assemblies are moved by their respective actuators (118, 120, 122) in opposite directions at a rate which causes forces generated by shuttle and tool assemblies moving in one direction to cancel forces arising from the shuttle and tool assembly movement in the opposite direction. Should an odd number of shuttle and tool assemblies be used, the amount of force generated by the mass moving in one direction may be compensated by having a different rate of movement, and hence a different direction.

Abstract: A rotatable cutting tool with colored visual warning is provided. The cutting tool includes colored portions of at least two different colors. When the cutting tool is rotated above a predetermined speed, the individual colors are not separately discernable but instead appear as an apparent or blended color which serves as a visual warning.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and sorting boards conveys the boards along a conveyor path. The apparatus senses the length of boards and the grade of boards, and cuts selected boards into first and second segments. The first and second segments are aligned against lumber lines respectively on each side of a conveyor path. The boards are then selectively sorted and dropped into bins successively positioned along each side of the conveyor path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotary apparatus and related methods for pressing or cutting articles. More specifically, this invention relates to a rotary pressing assembly configured to reduce the stress upon the pressing member when performing a pressing operation on articles which have a variation in surface area, density or thickness. Even more specifically, this invention relates to a rotary knife assembly configured to reduce the stress upon the knife blade while cutting a plurality of articles from a sheet or web of material.