Abstract: The invention relates to a gripper for use in a cutting machine, in particular a high-speed cutting machine. The gripper can be brought into engagement with an end of a food loaf in a reversible manner by applying a negative pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graft element for joining together plant stem sections. The graft element is made of a resilient material and takes the form of a tubular structure having a hollow center that extends in a longitudinal direction so as to form a cylinder. The graft element further comprises a side opening along its length and two elongated members. The side opening is connected to the hollow center over the entire length of the graft element. The two elongated members are located at opposite sides of the side opening and oriented substantially parallel thereto. The elongated members are provided with cutouts for receiving a gripping unit. The invention further relates to systems and methods for joining plant stem sections using the graft element. Finally, the invention relates to a system and a method for preparing the graft element.

Abstract: A food slicer for slicing food, comprising: a housing, a cutting board with generally curved cutting surface mounted inside the housing, a cutting blade oriented generally transverse to the cutting direction having a peripheral cutting edge and defining a blade plane, an electric drive motor for drivingly rotating the cutting blade of the food slicer, a first slider slidable along a first guide rail which is oriented generally parallel to the cutting direction, a first spring connected between the first slider and the housing for propelling the first slider toward the cutting board, so the first slider pushes the food articles toward the cutting board for preventing the food articles on the cutting board from moving. The food slicer further includes a board pivotally mounted in the housing with surface oriented generically parallel to the blade plane for supporting the unsliced food articles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a trimmer block pad, a trimmer, and a process of trimming. The process includes inserting a book into a trimmer, positioning a trimmer block pad to abut the book, the trimmer block comprising a first non-square exterior corner and a second non-square exterior corner, and trimming a portion of the book. The positioning of the trimmer block pad applies a distributed force to the book.

Abstract: An integrated mechanical stop and securing apparatus for the safe positioning and securing of a short cut-off workpiece in close proximity to a cutting tool during a cutting operation. The mechanical stop is attached to a fence, work surface or similar structure using a moveable clamp. The workpiece stop further includes a pivotally attached securing member that abuts a surface of a workpiece during a cutting operation involving a relatively short cut-off. Biasing force for the securing member is provided by an operator grasping a handle on the securing member. Increased safety is provided when the stop device maintains the operator's hands outside of the effective cutting area of the power tool, while providing an accurate and reliable stop to index the cut.

Abstract: A device for trimming at least one side edge of a bound printed product including a trimming table to receive the printed product and a press die arranged to press the printed product against the trimming table. The press die is operative to rise and fall with respect to the trimming table and the press die includes an elastic surface in a region approximately near the side edge of the print product. The elastic surface is operable to expand in a direction approximately transverse to the pressing direction. The device also includes a trimming knife positioned to trim the side edge. The trimming knife is operable to move between a starting position away from the trimming table and an ending position at the trimming table. The device also includes counter blade or a cutting bar mounted to limit a cutting stroke of the trimming knife.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is disclosed in which a cutting blade and an object to be cut are moved relative to each other so that the object is cut by the cutting blade. The cutting apparatus includes a holding member which is disposed at a position opposed to the cutting blade and has an adhesive layer removably holding the object, and a pressing unit which presses the object held by the holding member, the pressing unit being set to a pressing force which meets a holding force necessary for a resultant force to immovably hold the object relative to the holding member when the object is cut by the cutting blade, the resultant force having an adhesion of the adhesive layer and the pressing force of the pressing unit both as components.

Abstract: A trimmer including a common support frame and first and second cutting units movably mounted on the common support frame. Each respective cutting unit including a unit frame, a cutting strip connected to each respective unit frame, and a knife movably mounted on each respective unit frame for an oblique swing cut against a respective cutting strip. Each respective unit frame absorbing all cutting forces between the knife and the cutting strip during the oblique swing cut.

Abstract: A paper cutting device, for cutting multiple sheets of paper stacked in layers on a table, comprises a paper retainer (2) descending from an upper side along a guide and a cutter (3) diagonally ascending from the lower side. A receiving part (18) is mounted on the lower surface of a paper retaining frame (20). The receiving part (18) is formed by joining a base plate (36) with a large elastic modulus such as a metal to a resin receiving plate (37). A slip prevention structure is installed on the junction surfaces of the base plate (36) and the receiving plate (37) to suppress the extension/retraction of the receiving part of the paper retainer so as to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the paper near a blade receiving surface when the paper is cut off.

Abstract: In a bench circular sawing machine as one example of a cutting machine, a vise assembly to be mounted to a guide fence includes a pressing part (e.g., an arm and a feed screw) configured to be capable of moving upward and downward and fixed at a desired height, in a position protrusively frontward of the guide fence, and a second pressing part (e.g., stopper plate) configured to be capable of moving along the guide surface upward and downward and fixed at a desired height. One of the pressing part and the second pressing part is selected for use in holding a workpiece down from above.

Abstract: An automated saw system, including a saw head movable in a cutting stroke and rotatable in angle to perform miter cuts and a lumber feed conveyor to feed lumber to be cut to the saw head. The short lumber member conveyor has a floating gripping assembly that is shiftable along a substantially linear path that is substantially parallel to the lumber long axis whereby a short lumber member cut from the lumber is supported by the short lumber member conveyor during at least part of a cutting process and, after the cutting process is complete, is conveyed from the vicinity of the saw head to an out-feed area for removal.

Abstract: A sheet holder for holding a sheet of paper and exposing an edge the sheet, has a press for holding the paper sheet and exposing the edge, and a lever for operating the press. The lever is movable between a released position for placing of the edge of the paper sheet in the press and a holding position for operating the press. There is also an abutment for abutment by the edge of the paper sheet to position the edge relative to the press while the lever is in the released position. The abutment is associated with the lever for moving away from the edge of the paper sheet when the lever moves towards the holding position, thereby exposing the edge of the paper sheet.

Abstract: A tube cutting device and method thereof are disclosed, which are adapted for performing a remote tube cutting operation upon a tube. The tube cutting device is comprised of: a holding unit; a cutting unit; and a control unit, connected to the holding unit and the cutting unit in a remote manner; wherein, the control unit is capable of directing the holding unit to hold and move a tube to a specific position and thereafter directing the cutting unit to perform a cutting operation upon the tube. With the aforesaid tube cutting device, an operator operating the tube cutting device can perform an cutting operation upon the tube remotely without having to contact directly with the tube, and thus the operator is prevented from having to stay in a working environment containing hazardous materials, such as radioactive pollutants, gas/liquid with strong acid or alkali, etc., so that the safety of the tube cutting operation can be enhanced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of accessing a packaged medicament include placing a blister-type package containing the medicament onto a receiving area of a holder with a blister portion of the package extending into an opening in the holder. The blister-type package is held in place while a severing device is moved relative to the opening to separate at least a part of the blister portion from the blister-type package in order to access the medicament.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing seeds for polycrystalline silicon manufacture by cutting a silicon rod in an axial direction into at least one plate-like member, and cutting at least one of the silicon plate-like member lengthwise into seeds that are square in cross section, that includes a table which mounts the silicon rod or at least one of the plate-like member, a pair of end-face supporting members which support the silicon rod or at least one of the plate-like member by pressing both end faces thereof in the axial direction, and a cutting blade which cuts the silicon rod or at least one of the plate-like member in the axial direction, in addition the end-face supporting members includes comb-like grooves that allow the cutting blade to pass through.

Abstract: A device for trimming at least one side edge of a bound printed product including a trimming table to receive the printed product and a press die arranged to press the printed product against the trimming table. The press die is operative to rise and fall with respect to the trimming table and the press die includes an elastic surface in a region approximately near the side edge of the print product. The elastic surface is operable to expand in a direction approximately transverse to the pressing direction. The device also includes a trimming knife positioned to trim the side edge. The trimming knife is operable to move between a starting position away from the trimming table and an ending position at the trimming table. The device also includes counter blade or a cutting bar mounted to limit a cutting stroke of the trimming knife.

Abstract: An automatic lens cutting machine (1) includes a body portion, a carrying device (10), a cutting device (20), a take out device (30), a power device and an electrical control portion. The take out device is mounted adjacent to the carrying device, and comprises a shelf (31) mounted on a base (40) of the body portion and a lens receiving device (34) disposed above the shelf. The lens receiving device has a plurality of rows of tubular rings. Each row has a plurality of rings. The rings receive unseparated lenses (90) on a semi-finished lens assembly (9) therein when the automatic lens cutting machine is in operation, and retain the separated lenses therein after the semi-finished lens assembly is subject to a cutting operation.

Abstract: A chain gripping device has a body which is arranged to be secured within the base clamps of a circular abrasive cutting saw. A clamping member supported on the body is arranged to clamp one of the links of the chain to be cut therein so that the link is in alignment with a cutting plane of the blade of the saw when the body is secured within the clamps of the saw. The clamping member includes jaws arranged to clamp only one side portion of the link to be clamped at a pair of positions spaced apart thereon to receive the blade therebetween to fully secure a link of a chain being cut throughout a cutting operation in a safe and secure manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the width of blinds of the type having a headrail, and a bottom rail and blind slats, and having a support body with a headrail opening, and a bottom rail opening, and a blind slat opening the blind components being insertable into their openings from one side of the support body, a die located adjacent to the support body, a headrail cutting recess in the die, guides on the support body for the die, enabling the die to move relative to the headrail opening between two positions and a bottom rail and blind slat cutter operable to cut the bottom rail and the blind slats. A modified apparatus can be used to trim the width of a vertical blind having a headrail and control rods. Also disclosed is a method of trimming the width of blind, having a head rail, a bottom rail and blind slats.

Abstract: A cutting guide having a component defining a first plane positionable substantially parallel to a working table of a cutting tool and a second plane, the second plane forming a predetermined angle inferior to 90 degrees relative to the first plane so as to receive at least in part a piece to cut and orienting the same according to a predetermined inclined plane. The cutting guide also includes an adapter allowing for modification of the predetermined angle, the adapter being releasably mountable to the component so that one of the faces of the adapter defines a new inclined plane.

Abstract: Aimed at stably forming sheared surfaces of leads of semiconductor devices, and at raising ratio of formation of plated layers onto the sheared surfaces of the leads, a lead cutter has a die 106, and a cutting punch 110 having a cutting edge at least on the surface facing the die, wherein clearance T between the die 106 and the cutting punch 110 is set within the range from not smaller than 2.3% and smaller than 14.0% of the total thickness of the leads to be cut and plated layers formed on the upper and the lower surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A vertical curtain cutter includes at least a base and a mold cutting device fixed on the base, which consists of a clamper, a knife and a motor. The clamper has a stationary clamp block and a movable clamp block, and the stationary clamp block has a flat clamp surface at one side and a curved clamp surface at other side. As a result, the movable clamp block and the stationary clamp block can clamp between them the rolled curtain cloth or folded-up curtain cloth. The cloth is vertically inserted by reversing the flat surface and the curved surface of the stationary clamp block. The motor can drive the knife to shift towards the curtain cloth and cut it, so that the cutter is able to cut either rolled or folded-up curtain cloth into multiple curtain pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a corrugated metal sheet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a table, a clamp assembly, and a cutting tool. The clamp assembly has a lower frame and an upper frame. A lower vibration absorbing pad is supported by the lower frame, and an upper vibration absorbing pad is secured to the upper frame such that the upper vibration absorbing pad faces the lower vibration absorbing pad. In an open position the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads are separated to permit the corrugated sheet metal to be positioned therebetween and in a closed position the corrugated metal sheet is clamped between the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads with at least one of the lower and upper vibration absorbing pads substantially conforming to the contour of an adjacent surface of the corrugated metal sheet.

Abstract: A cutter 10 having a support member 12, a handle member 30 which is movably coupled to the support member 12, and a pair of cutting members 39, 40 which are attached to the handle member 30. The cutter 10 includes a support member 20 which receives a metal stud member 24. The cutting members 39, 40 selectively and cooperatively cut or sever the operatively and stationarily received metal stud member 24 when the handle member 30 is moved to a closed position.

Abstract: A method and cutting device makes incisions in an elongated food product, like a hot dog or sausage, to form a pattern or character after the product is cooked. One form of the cutter includes a hinged housing into which the food product is positioned. The housing includes blades that contact and cut the food product as the housing is closed. Another form of the cutter includes a wheeled cutter and a rack. The wheeled cutter includes gear teeth that permit the rack to be drawn under the wheel as the wheel engages gear openings formed in the rack as the wheel rotates. A food product positioned on the rack is cut by blades on the wheel as the rack travels under the wheel.

Abstract: The invention is a dental model cutter for trimming the base of a dental model in a precise predetermined manner where the dental model is precisely secured and positioned under a cutting guide and can be hand sawed or cut, thus eliminating the need of a conventional dental model grinder.

Abstract: A bagel slicing device for safely and effectively slicing bagels comprises a holder having a slotted base, upwardly extending end portions at each end of the base and side members attached to the base at their lower end and being pivotal about an edge to engage a bagel therebetween and extending between the end portions. The end portions include a knife slot which cooperates with the base slot to permit cutting a bagel completely through. The side members include gripping ribs on both surfaces thereof and the end portions include ribs to locate the bagel properly between the sides.

Abstract: A blow molded container (10) having a trimmed nonround opening (12) is blow molded from a preform (36) and then positioned by a positioner (50) of a nonround trimmer (16) that includes a rotary driven arm assembly (56) having a knife holder (60). A guide (66) guides the knife holder (60) in a nonround path to perform the trimming.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a molding article that is to be cut by a sawing device. The apparatus includes a bottom supporting surface having opposing front and rear edges and opposing first and second side edges. A first wall is included that is upstanding from the rear edge of the bottom supporting surface and substantially extends between the opposing first and second side edges of the bottom supporting surface. A second wall is upstanding from the bottom surface and at a location intermediate the first wall and the front edge of the bottom supporting surface. The second wall preferably extends between the opposing first and second side edges of the bottom supporting surface.

Abstract: An automated tinting film remover comprises a loading device for moving a vehicle window and locating it at a predetermined position, a securing device with which the properly located vehicle window can be firmly secured, and a removing device for eliminating a tinting film coated on the vehicle window. The removing device comprises a vapor emitting means for weakening the adhesive strength of the tinting film coated on the vehicle window, a cutting means having an electric conductive wire for cutting the tinting film, and a scraping means for peeling off the tinting film, whereby the removal of a tinting film coated on a vehicle window can be conducted in an automated manner with ease.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the width of blinds of the type having a headrail, and a bottom rail and blind slats, and having a support body with a headrail opening, and a bottom rail opening, and a blind slat opening the blind components being insertable into their openings from one side of the support body, a die located adjacent to the support body, a headrail cutting recess in the die, guides on the support body for the die, enabling the die to move relative to the headrail opening between two positions and a bottom rail and blind slat cutter operable to cut the bottom rail and the blind slats. A modified apparatus can be used to trim the width of a vertical blind having a headrail and control rods. Also disclosed is a method of trimming the width of blind, having a head rail, a bottom rail and blind slats.

Abstract: A rotating saw clamp for clamping a product roll to be sawn. The rotating log saw clamp includes a first portion disposed for rotation about an axis and a second portion disposed for rotation with the first portion and movable relative to the first portion between an open position and a clamping position. The second portion is rotatable from the clamping position to the open position in rotation of the first and second rotating portions in a common direction.

Abstract: A guillotine type stud cutter with a frame with side rails and a guillotine blade slidably mounted between the rails has spaced, fixed, parallel, stationary die plates secured transversely between the side rails. Immediately inboard of the stationary die plates, sets of spaced parallel shear plates are slideably mounted for movement transversely of the side rails and toward and away from one another. The shear plates have opening defined by wall margins with sharp edges substantially perpendicular to an inside surface of the shear blades, to receive sheet metal studs of different sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the width of blinds of the type having a headrail, and a bottom rail and blind slats, and having a support body with a headrail opening, and a bottom rail opening, and a blind slat opening the blind components being insertable into their openings from one side of the support body, a die located adjacent to the support body, a headrail cutting recess in the die, guides on the support body for the die, enabling the die to move relative to the headrail opening between two positions and a bottom rail and blind slat cutter operable to cut the bottom rail and the blind slats. A modified apparatus can be used to trim the width of a vertical blind having a headrail and control rods. Also disclosed is a method of trimming the width of blind, having a head rail, a bottom rail and blind slats.

Abstract: A head rail holder extension for use with a blind trimming machine having a horizontal support member defining a pathway for a sliding stabilizer block. The sliding stabilizer block is adapted to move along the pathway and is adapted to be locked at positions along the length of the pathway. A channel-shaped member with an opening is attached to the stabilizer block. An adjustable stop is disposed adjacent to the channel shaped member such that the adjustable stop can be moved into a first position where it blocks the opening and a second position where it allows the head rail to extend beyond the stop.

Abstract: A compound Venetian blind cutting and trimming machine, more specifically, a cutting machine capable of synchronously cutting and trimming a Venetian blind of wooden and metallic materials, mainly comprises a base plate with a through slot disposed on the front plane of the said base plate and provided for every material to extend through; a filing blade moving transversely is disposed on one lateral side of a material feeding blade; the upper rim of the said base plate is provided for the sliding of a replaceable hand-held electric saw; the existence of the two cutting tools of the said electric saw and the filing blade cuts and trims the metallic or wooden materials of a venetian blind at the same time.

Abstract: A cutting machine of dual blade feeding for a blind of foamed plastics, more specially a cutting machine providing the cutting application for the blind of foamed plastics that includes a filing board with a squeezing blade and a trimming blade mounted relative to the cutting end. The squeezing blade and the trimming blade respond to a shiftable tool block. During the cutting process, when the squeezing blade and the trimming blades move respectively, the shifting corresponding to the shifting status of the tool block can be used to provide the two cutting tools with the resistant force of press cutting to align to the angular position to produce an evenly cut end of the foamed plastics.

Abstract: A headbox holder for use with a saw blade to cut a headbox for vertical blind according to the desired length is disclosed to include a main body, a mounting base extended outwards from the bottom side of the main body and adapted for supporting the main body on a worktable, an insertion slot extended through the front and back sides of the main body and adapted for receiving the headbox to be cut, a vertical cutting slot formed in the main body and vertically extended across the insertion slot for receiving the saw blade for cutting the headbox being inserted through the insertion slot.

Abstract: A system for punching metal sheets and for stacking metal sheets in the appropriate punched pattern, particularly for electric machines, has a die for punching the metal sheets, a die plate cooperating with the die, and a guiding device for guiding the punched metal sheets below the die plate. The guiding device has at least two clamping elements. The clamping elements are provided for clamping the punched metal sheets on their circumference and thus forming a stack branch-off which permits an uninterrupted punching during the discharge of the metal sheet stack.

Abstract: A cutting frame for holding an object to be sliced into two pieces. The object, such as a bagel, has a bottom surface, a peripheral edge, and a top surface. The cutting frame has a base which holds a support stem, which in turn holds a ring shaped guide member. The guide member has a knife blade guide slot extending through it to guide a knife downwardly through the guide member and through a bagel or other object held in the guide member. The process of using the cutting frame includes holding a bagel against a closed side of the compartment formed within the guide member so that the user's fingers press the bagel against the closed surface of the compartment. A knife is then placed in the knife blade guide slot and drawn back and forth downwardly through the bagel to form an accurate slice parallel to the bottom of the bagel. The guide blade knife slot extends completely through the guide member so that the bagel is always cut into two separate pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an elongated circular product during cutting includes a fixed lower support frame and a movable upper support frame. Right and left bottom support links include a lower end which is pivotally connected to the lower frame. Right and left side support links include a lower end which is slidably supported by a slot in the lower frame, an intermediate pivot point which is pivotally connected to the upper end of one of the bottom support links, and an upper end which is engageable with the product. The upper frame includes right and left guide surfaces which are engageable with the product. When the upper frame is moved downwardly toward the lower frame, the guide surfaces of the upper frame move the upper ends of the side support links closer to the center of the product.

Abstract: A slicing apparatus for slicing a food item having a flat bottomed base for placement upon a work surface; a bifurcated outer annulus attached to the base and extending perpendicularly upward from the base, the annulus having an arcuate slot formed on the peripheral centerline of the annulus; the annulus further having a first pair of diametric opposed knife attachment points formed on the inner surface of the annulus; an inner annulus located within the outer annulus and rotatable thereat, the inner annulus further having a second pair of diametrically opposed knife attachment points and an attached handle extending radially outward passing through the peripheral slot of the outer annulus; a left cover and a right cover, each cover having a convex circular outer surface and a concave circular inner surface, the periphery of the respective inner surfaces sized to matingly abut with the respective sides of the outer annulus, the covers further being pivotally attached to the base; an upper and a lower knife, e

Abstract: A quick clamping vice structure for a circular saw comprising a vice seat, a fixed seat, a screw rod, a seat member, a base and an electric saw, wherein, the vice seat is disposed in opposition to the fixed seat and is combined with the base, the vice seat is connected with the screw rod, while the screw rod is connected with the seat member, the electric saw is provided on the base, the vice structure is characterized by that: the seat member has a receiving chamber with an elastic member therein to abut against a screw guiding block, and an engaging groove is provided on the lateral wall of the screw guiding block to abut against a shifting rod; by such abutment and by an engaging portion provided on the bottom of the screw guiding block cooperatively arranged with the screw rod in a hole on the seat member, an effect of quick clamping and positioning as well as stable and firm clamping can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an elongated circular product during cutting includes a fixed lower support frame and a movable upper support frame. Right and left bottom support links include a lower end which is pivotally connected to the lower frame. Right and left side support links include a lower end which is slidably supported by a slot in the lower frame, an intermediate pivot point which is pivotally connected to the upper end of one of the bottom support links, and an upper end which is engageable with the product. The upper frame includes right and left guide surfaces which are engageable with the product. When the upper frame is moved downwardly toward the lower frame, the guide surfaces of the upper frame move the upper ends of the side support links closer to the center of the product.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing binder straps from coils of metal strip in which a cage is engageable with the coil and has a blade carriage displaceable over at least a region in which binder straps may be provided in a continuous manner so that a wedge can engage beneath the straps in succession and a cutting tool can cut through straps in a single continuous operation without interrupting the movement of the carriage. The wedge and the carriage can be provided with clamping elements to engage the strap after it is cut to allow it to be transported to a scrap bin.

Abstract: A method of cutting a resilient workpiece having sides in opposition to one another to form at least one cut in the workpiece includes the steps of stretching the workpiece, maintaining the workpiece in stretched condition by applying clamping forces to the sides of the workpiece after the workpiece has been stretched, cutting the workpiece while it is clamped and stretched to form a cut in and extending through the workpiece, and unclamping the workpiece after the cut has been formed to allow the workpiece to return to unstretched condition and the cut to close.

Abstract: A ruler device is disclosed. It comprises a ruler body, a spring member disposed on an upper surface of the ruler body such that the spring member is warped upwardly, and a slip-preventive member disposed on a lower surface of the ruler body, the slip-preventive member being caused to project downwardly when the spring member is depressed.

Abstract: A system and method for making at least one cut in a catheter, guide wire or other elongate cylindrical object having a lengthwise axis, comprising a securing means for repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate object in a position suitable for cutting it at an angle or transversely relative to its lengthwise axis, a manipulating means for moving the elongate object so that it can be disposed in the position suitable for cutting when it is released by the securing means, and a cutting means for forming the at least one precision cut in the elongate object to any desired depth. The securing means preferably comprises a rotatable collet clamp, and the manipulating means preferably comprises a pinch roller assembly for advancing and holding the elongate object.

Abstract: A cove base cutting guide tool for guiding a knife through the guide tool and making a mitered cut on a cove base material. The guide tool includes a base and a plurality of tower members extending vertically from the base forming a first and second guide wall. The first and second guide walls define a groove having the same general shape as the cove base material to be cut. The groove includes a generally straight portion extending from a top to a bottom of the first and second guide walls with an open end at the top of the guide walls. The groove is wider at the bottom of the straight portion than the top of the straight portion. The first and second guide walls flex away from one another at the top of the groove when receiving the cove base material, and apply friction to the cove base material at the top of the cove base material when the cove base material is inserted into the groove.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a sheet material incorporates a system for clamping the sheet material against an underlying support surface, which system employs linear arrays of clamp units, each unit including a separate clamping member having a head portion with a flat top surface and a peripheral element constructed to engage an edge portion of the sheet material. The clamping members are disposed in spaced relationship along marginal portions of the support surface, an actuator is proveded for effecting movement of the clamping members between release and clamp positions. Because of the construction of the clamping members, the top surfaces thereof will be substantially flush with the surface of the clamped material being cut, thus enabling a cutting head having an associated glide plate to pass thereover, in contact therewith, without substantial interference or impediment.