Abstract: The present invention provides a motor driven link press which enables working with a heavy press load and also enables a working cycle time to be improved even when a motor with a relatively low output power is used and which can be properly controlled easily. A motor driven link press comprises a link mechanism 1 that converts a rotating operation into a linear operation and a ram 6 that elevates and lowers for press working on the basis of this linear operation. The link mechanism 1 comprises a crank member 2 having a crank shaft 3 and an eccentric shaft portion 4, a pivoting link 5, a connecting rod 7, and a restraining link 8. The pivoting link 5 has a first to third connecting portions P1 to P3 and is connected to the eccentric shaft portion 4 of the crank member 2 using the connecting portion P1. The connecting rod 7 is connected to the second connecting portion P2 and the ram 6.

Abstract: An optical fiber cutting device provided with a speed reducing part which transmits drive force by reducing the drive speed of the external drive force, a drive force transmission part which transmits the drive force from the speed reduction part to the cutting blade holder, a cutting blade holder, a cutting blade which is held by the cutting blade holder and moves to the cutting position along with said cutting blade holder, and an optical fiber supporter which supports the optical fiber so as to be perpendicular to said cutting blade at the cutting position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motor driven link press which enables working with a heavy press load and also enables a working cycle time to be improved even when a motor with a relatively low output power is used and which can be properly controlled easily. A motor driven link press comprises a link mechanism 1 that converts a rotating operation into a linear operation and a ram 6 that elevates and lowers for press working on the basis of this linear operation. The link mechanism 1 comprises a crank member 2 having a crank shaft 3 and an eccentric shaft portion 4, a pivoting link 5, a connecting rod 7, and a restraining link 8. The pivoting link 5 has a first to third connecting portions P1 to P3 and is connected to the eccentric shaft portion 4 of the crank member 2 using the connecting portion P1. The connecting rod 7 is connected to the second connecting portion P2 and the ram 6.

Abstract: A mechanical pressing machine includes a slider mounted on an input shaft at a location below a cam, and a sliding block and a balance weight mounted at locations above the cam. A first cam follower rotatably carried on the slider abuts against a lower surface of the cam and is biased by a spring member toward the lower surface. A second cam follower rotatably carried on a sliding block abuts against an upper surface of the cam and is biased by spring members toward the upper surface. When the cam is rotated together with the input shaft, the slider effects vertical sliding movement through the first cam follower, and the sliding block and the balance weight effect vertical sliding movement in a direction opposite from the direction of movement of the slider through the second cam follower.

Abstract: An automatic hole punch is disclosed for creating holes in a sheave of sheet material. The automatic hole punch is preferably user-selectable between punching modes, such as two-hole and three-hole modes. A motor is coupled to a camshaft by a gear train. The cam shaft carries a plurality of cams each having an associated punch. As the camshaft rotates, the cams sequentially drive corresponding punches. However, depending on the selected modality, one or more punches may be idle by not being engaged with their respective cams, thus resulting in varying combinations of driven punches resulting in different hole patterns. Finally, a spacer can be inserted into a material receiving slot for adjusting the relative positioning of the material to the punches to properly position the hole pattern along an edge of the material to be punched.

Abstract: An electric punch includes a plurality of pushing units mounted to the shaft which is driven by a motor. Each pushing unit includes a ring rotatably received in a pushing member and each ring has an eccentric polygonal hole through which the shaft fixedly extends. The pushing members are received in movable frames and two opposite sides of each pushing member are slidably in contact with two upright walls of the movable frame corresponding thereto. A plurality of punch units each include a punch frame and a punch member whose front end is used to punch sheets and rear end of the punch member extends out from the punch frame and is in contact with the pushing member. The pushing member is moved up and down in the movable frame by the rotation of the rings when the shaft rotates and the movable frames move to push the punch members to punch the sheets.

Abstract: A cutting device for spring manufacturing machines includes an actuator, a transmission mechanism and a sliding mechanism. The actuator includes a connecting rod with a pin hole formed therein. The sliding mechanism includes a track, a slider and a switching pin. The slider includes an axial hole and slidably moves back and forth in the track. The switching pin can be inserted through or removed from the axial hole and the pin hole so that the cutting device can perform either a linear direction or an oval trace cutting in a coil spring winding machine.

Abstract: A three knife trimmer has a front knife and two lateral knives. A drive device drives the front knife and the two lateral knives such that a front cut and at least one lateral cut are performed with phase displacement by the front knife and at least one of the two lateral knives on the material to be cut. The drive device has at least one drive curve. At least two pivotable levers engage the drive curve, wherein the front knife and at least one of the two lateral knives are drivingly connected to the at least two pivotable levers.

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 cutter device has a movable blade, a stationary blade, and a clutch mechanism having a driven gear mounted for undergoing rotation in clockwise and counterclockwise directions and a driving gear for rotationally driving the driven gear about a rotational axis. A cutter drive mechanism has a rotation device connected to the clutch mechanism so that through one complete rotation of the driven gear the rotation device reciprocally moves the movable blade between a first region in which the movable blade is spaced apart from the stationary blade and a second region in which the movable blade cooperates with the stationary blade to cut recording paper. A rotation regulating device regulates rotation of the driven gear in the counterclockwise direction when the movable blade is in the first position.

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 reversible linear hydraulic drive system for a bidirectional supported shear having an adjustable stroke length. A method for improving the quality of the tube ends after shearing using a reversible partial orbital path is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of trimming the width of a blind having a head rail and a fabric panel depending therefrom, by a predetermined trim measurement, by trimming a first length from the head rail, retracting the head rail away from a first side edge of said fabric panel, trimming a second length from the first edge of the fabric panel,; moving the head rail axially relative to the fabric panel so as to retract it from a second side edge of the fabric panel opposite to the first side edge, trimming a third length from the second edge of the fabric panel, and moving the head rail axially relative to the fabric panel whereby to locate it equidistant from the first and the second edges of the fabric panel. Also disclosed is apparatus for trimming such a fabric blind.

Abstract: A device for cutting film-like material in a shearing action by a blade and a counterblade provided with respective cutting edges. The blade has first and second ends. Movement of the blade is controlled such that the first end and the second end move along paths that are different from, but substantially parallel, to one another. The blade moves between a separated position and a closed position. In the separated position, the cutting edges define a space through which the film-like material may advance, and the distance between the respective cutting edges is not constant along the entire blade, with the second end of the blade being closer to the counterblade than is the first end of the blade. In the closed position, the blade and the counterblade are closed on one another after cutting the film-like material with a gradual cooperative movement of the cutting edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely cutting lengths of strip material includes a supply of strip material, a feed mechanism for conveying the strip material from the supply and a reciprocating cutter mounted downstream of the feed mechanism. An adjustable stop is movably mounted adjacent the cutter for engaging an end of the strip material and setting a precise length of the strip material being cut. An adjustment mechanism is coupled to the stop for moving the stop relative to the cutter along a longitudinal axis of the length of the strip material being cut.

Abstract: A cam gear punch has a simple structure and is capable of slowing down punching space and accelerating punching pressure. The punch has a punch mainframe which includes a motor to drive a transmission cam gear. The transmission cam gear engages with a driven cam gear which is mounted on a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft has one end pivotally mounting in the punch mainframe and another end coupling with the driven cam gear. An eccentric transmission wheel is mounted on the transmission shaft. The eccentric transmission wheel has one end engaging with a slide block.

Abstract: An optical fiber cutting device provided with a speed reducing part which transmits drive force by reducing the drive speed of the external drive force, a drive force transmission part which transmits the drive force from the speed reduction part to the cutting blade holder, a cutting blade holder, a cutting blade which is held by the cutting blade holder and moves to the cutting position along with said cutting blade holder, and an optical fiber supporter which supports the optical fiber so as to be perpendicular to said cutting blade at the cutting position. In addition, when a cutting blade with a blade thickness &agr; (mm) is used, and said cutting blade is moved at a speed &bgr; (mm/minute) during cutting, &agr; and &bgr; fulfill the expression &bgr;≦−253&agr;+65.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a material from a cored roll comprises a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior volume and an opening, at least one pair of coaxially aligned, opposed plungers mounted on opposite walls within the dispenser, and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a blade, a cover for alternately exposing and concealing the blade, and a slidable panel for actuating the cover.

Abstract: A cutting device for shingles that cuts shingles at angles. Several blades, each on pressure plates, are forced into engagement with shingles by rollers that engage one side of the plates.

Abstract: A three knife trimmer has a front knife and two lateral knives. A drive device drives the front knife and the two lateral knives such that a front cut and at least one lateral cut are performed with phase displacement by the front knife and at least one of the two lateral knives on the material to be cut. The drive device has at least one drive curve. At least two pivotable levers engage the drive curve, wherein the front knife and at least one of the two lateral knives are drivingly connected to the at least two pivotable levers.

Abstract: A scroll saw includes a machine base and a table mounted pivotally on the machine base for placement of a workpiece to be sawn. The table is rotatable about a horizontal axis that extends in a longitudinal direction of the machine base. A C-shaped blade-holding arm is fixed on the machine base, and has upper and lower arm portions that extend in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. A saw blade is held between front ends of the upper and lower arm portions of the blade-holding arm, and extends perpendicularly through the table. A saw-blade driving device includes a motor which is disposed within the machine base, and which is provided with a motor shaft. The motor shaft extends in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. A linkage interconnects the motor shaft and the saw blade so as to reciprocate the saw blade relative to the blade-holding arm.

Abstract: A paper punch includes a base having two lugs on a top of the base and a push arm is pivotally connected between the two lugs. A support plate is connected to the base and a plurality of punching assemblies are connected to the support plate. The base has holes defined through the top thereof and a flange extends from an underside of the top of the base and encloses each of the holes. The top of the base is reinforced by the flanges so as to avoid from being deformed.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and apparatus to prepare trim cap material for bending, the apparatus comprising at least one notcher and at least one dimpler employed: (1) to notch the trim cap material to facilitate bending, but ensuring that the notch is not so large or deep so as to result in cracking when the trim cap material is bent resulting in unsightly appearance and performance deficiencies when the trim cap is installed as part of a completed sign and (2) to dimple the trim cap material so that the dimple is visible from both sides of the trim cap material.

Abstract: A card cutting apparatus for cutting business cards out of paper stock. The card cutting apparatus includes a housing. The housing comprises a base portion and an upper portion. The base portion has an upper side and a lower side. The upper portion is hingedly coupled to the base portion such that the upper portion may be selectively positioned between an abutted position and a removed position with respect to the base portion. The upper portion has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface and a pair of side surfaces. The bottom surface has a cavity therein. A rod is rotatably mounted in the upper portion, and extends through the side surfaces and through the cavity such that the rod has a pair of ends each extending away from one of the side surfaces. The rod extends through and securely attached to a cam. A handle member is coupled to each of the ends of the rod.

Abstract: A low profile side punch assembly is provided to punch registration openings along the side edge of media in an imagesetter. The side punch assembly includes a punch actuator having a scissors configuration to provide a low profile. The punch assembly is fixed to a side face of the imagesetter. The punch assembly can be located at any location along the side face. This location can also be subsequently adjusted if necessary. The location of the punch pin is accurately set during manufacture with respect to the media surface of the imagesetter by a reference surface in the side face and by the side face of the drum. A drive mechanism for the punch actuator is also provided with a positive retraction of the actuator. The location of the punch pin may also be sensed to prevent advancement of the media before the punch pin has been retracted.

Abstract: A motor-driven eyeleting machine includes two end eyeleting rod holders and two middle eyeleting rod holders respectively holding a respective eyeleting rod at one side of a revolving axle, two end cam wheels fixedly mounted on the revolving axle and rotated with the revolving axle to reciprocate the eyeleting rods in the end eyeleting rod holders respectively, two middle cam wheels respectively mounted on the revolving axle and adapted to reciprocate the eyeleting rods in the middle eyeleting rod holders selectively, and a shifter coupled to the middle cam wheels and shifted between two positions to alternatively set one middle cam wheel in the working position and the other middle cam wheel in the idle position.

Abstract: A hoop material cutter, which comprises a movable blade secured to a bottom surface of a ram movable reciprocally while rocking, a fixed blade secured to a top surface of a base plate, and a hopper for guiding a hoop material between the movable blade and the fixed blade, cuts the hoop material while allowing the movable blade to move toward and away from the fixed blade in accordance with an action of the ram. In this hoop material cutter, cylindrical guide pins are rotatably fitted in the base plate via blocks which are detachable in a horizontal direction from the base plate and each having both ends chamfered, and a part of the cylindrical surface of each guide pin protrudes sideways of the associated block so that the end faces of the movable blade are guided by the protruding portions.

Abstract: There is provided a punching device including: a die member having a plurality of die holes formed therein; a plurality of punch members which are caused to advance into the die holes to punch holes in a member to be punched; an operating member having cam portions formed along a direction intersecting the direction of advancement of the punch members, the operating member being moved along the direction intersecting the direction of advancement of the punch members to cause by a conversion function of the cam portions the punch members to advance into the die holes; and a drive unit for selectively causing advancement of the plurality of punch members by changing the direction of movement of the operating member.

Abstract: A printer is provided with a cutter for cutting recording paper in arbitrary lengths or cutting recording paper with a part left after cutting. A pair of movable blades, at least one of which is displaced in a direction approximately orthogonal to the paper path, are driven in a cooperative relationship to effect a cutting operation with a fixed blade. The dispersion of force required for tearing off the cut recording paper is reduced, a torn trace of a left part after cutting the recording paper looks nice, and the position of a left part after cutting the recording paper can be arbitrarily set respectively without increasing the size in the direction of the recording paper width.

Abstract: Embodiments of an punch machine and a quick-change die assembly are shown and described. The die assembly may be quickly installed and removed from the punch machine, without bolting or unbolting of either machine housing or the die assembly itself. The die assembly is slid into the machine through a hole in the machine housing and into a position which mates part of the die assembly with the push-bar. A clamp, with a handle outside the machine, is then pivoted against the die assembly. The push-bar is adapted to be self-supporting without being bolted to the die assembly, keeping the push-bar in place without manual adjustment and alignment. The die assembly preferably includes a die, pin retainer, and punch pins, and preferably includes a flexible, pivotal, or hinged pin strap to secure the pins to the retainer.

Abstract: The apparatus for punching a sheet S includes a shaft 2 extending transversely relative to the moving direction of the sheet S; a pair of cams 3, 3 mounted to the shaft 2 in both longitudinal end portions for rotating together with the shaft 2; a tie bar 4 extending along the shaft 2 and having a pair of cam followers 41, 41 at positions corresponding to those of the cams 3, 3; a plurality of punches 5, 5 connected to the tie bar 4 in longitudinal arrangement for being movable to and from punching positions; a frame 7 extending along the tie bar 4, to which a plurality of punch guides 6, 6 are fixed in alignment with the punches 5, 5; and a die frame 8 having a plurality of die holes 81, 81 in alignment with the punches 5, 5 for cooperating with the punches 5, 5 to make holes in the sheet S.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching knock-outs out of light gauge steel framing studs used in building construction to form holes of sufficient size to allow building wiring and piping to extend therethrough includes a compact hand held frame (12) having a generally C-shaped frame portion (14). The C-shaped frame portion has spaced apart ends (16, 18) located along a working axis (20) for receiving a stud (30) therebetween. A punch and die assembly (24) includes a punch (26) and a die (28) mounted opposite each other at the ends of the C-shaped frame portion. An actuatable driving mechanism (36) mounted to the frame is operable to drive the punch and dic assembly over a working stroke range between a deactuated position (52) and an actuated position (54). In the actuated position, the punch extends into the die by punching through the stud to produce a knock-out (342).

Abstract: An optical fiber cutting device provided with a speed reducing part which transmits drive force by reducing the drive speed of the external drive force, a drive force transmission part which transmits the drive force from the speed reduction part to the cutting blade holder, a cutting blade holder, a cutting blade which is held by the cutting blade holder and moves to the cutting position along with said cutting blade holder, and an optical fiber supporter which supports the optical fiber so as to be perpendicular to said cutting blade at the cutting position.

Abstract: A paper punching device is disposed on a paper conveyer passage for punching plural holes in a paper that passes on said paper conveyer passage, and comprises plural punches disposed on the upper side of said paper conveyer passage at right angles with the direction in which the paper is conveyed, plural pushing members mounted on the upper ends of said plural punches, and a punch-operating mechanism for operating said plural pushing mechanisms.

Abstract: A punching mechanism has a plurality of predetermined standby positions where the punching mechanism is previously moved by move means and stands by based on size information in the width direction of a sheet material and punching execution information as to whether or not the sheet material is to be punched. The standby position corresponding to a sheet material of the maximum width that can be punched by the punching mechanism and the standby position applied when punching is not executed are set to substantially the same position.

Abstract: A punch unit (1) is provided with: a punch (2) reciprocally driven in a punching operation; and, a die (3) cooperating with the punch (2) in punching a punch hole in a soft metal sheet. The unit (1) is provided which a gate (13b), which (13b) serves as a cleaning means for scraping the soft metal sheets fragment having stuck to the punch (2) off the punch (2) when the punch (2) is reciprocally moved. Further provided in the unit (1) is a punch drive and control circuit (25) The circuit (25) enables the punch (2) to perform lost motion at predetermined time intervals. Such lost motion enables the punch (2) to scrape the fragment of the soft metal sheet off a surface of the punch (2). Consequently, the unit (1) is free from a fear that the fragment of the soft metal sheet remains stuck to the punch (2) in the punching operation. (See FIG.

Abstract: A blind cut-down apparatus for cutting a blind having at least a head rail component, and blind material suspended from the head rail, and having a blind component holding plate having at least a head rail opening and a blind material opening for receiving respective components of a blind, and holding them in position for cutting, a blind material cutting bar moveable relative to the holding plate, and carrying material cutting means, for cutting blind material extending through the holding plate, a cutting die support adjacent to the cutting bar, having at least one cutting die for receiving the headrail, and being moveable relative to the holding plate for cutting at least one the headrail and including a movement device for moving the blind material cutting bar and the cutting die support substantially simultaneously, so as to cut the blind material and the head rail in a common plane. End stops are provided for setting the length of material trimmed off the various components.

Abstract: A punch unit (1) is provided with: a punch (2), which is reciprocally driven in a punching operation; and, a die (3), which cooperates with the punch (2) in punching a hole in a soft metal sheet (i.e., workpiece not shown). In this punch unit (1): punch guides (12, 13a) and the die (3) are integrally formed into a punch block (11); and a radial clearance between the punch (2) and the die (3) is set at a value of from 4 to 15 % of a thickness of the soft metal sheet to be punched; and, the punch unit (1) is further provided with a sheet hold-down means (5) the sheet hold-down means (5) functioning to hold down the soft metal sheet when the soft metal sheet is punched.

Abstract: Punch machine 30 has a plurality of punches 52, 53 and dies 54, 61 for punching a hole out of a sheet, a driving means 35 for reciprocating in a direction intersecting with respect to the punch by the driving force of driving source 33, and cam mechanisms 44, 84, 94, 62, 69 for changing the motion of the driving means into the movement direction of the punch so as to transmit to the punch between the punch and the driving means. A plurality of punches are divided into first group and second group. The cam mechanism provided between each punch of the first group and the driving means moves each punch 52 by the motion operation of the driving means in a first direction, and the cam mechanism provided between each punch of the second group and the driving means moves each punch 53 by the motion operation of the driving means in a second direction. Different pattern of punching is respectively possible by the first and second groups of punches.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric paper punch (hole puncher) with a reinforcement mechanism. The paper punch comprises a module with a paper slot and punch pin, an axle, a connecting module connected to the punch pin, and a motor. The connecting module has a rear wall that is arc-shaped and works in conjunction with an eccentrically shaped wheel to drive the punch pin forward and backward as the eccentrically shaped wheel rotates within the wheel groove. The arc-shaped wall of the connecting module is reinforced to prevent distortion from repeated pressure exerted during movement of the punch pin.

Abstract: A punch is disclosed in which cams at the opposite ends of a rotary shaft move a spring returned mechanism so as to apply a force to a number of punches which are aligned across a pressure plate and movable towards a die plate for punching sheets of paper fed between the pressure plate and the die plate upon each revolution of the shaft and the cams, the punches being formed and supported by the pressure plate so as to progressively enter the sheet of paper to allow for a reduction in the motor force required for performing a punching operation.

Abstract: An automatic food product cutting apparatus is provided that employs a continuously rotating table arranged with multiple cutter cups, each cup being aligned with a plunger that rotates with the table. The plungers are driven to force fruit through the cup and to withdraw from the cup by cam following rollers that follow a generally elliptical cam track. The cam track is concentric to but does not rotate with the table. With this arrangement, a single drive motor is used to power both the rotation of the table and the plunging force to push the food product through the cutter cups, thereby achieving smooth, continuous operation.

Abstract: A punch assembly includes a frame that has a pair of arms forming a deep throat for receiving material to be punched, and a single acting punch and die set held by the outer ends of the arms. The punch is actuated with a lever mounting a swing frame that is supported so that when the punch is to be changed, the swing frame can be moved out the way and the punch removed. The die can also be removed when the swing frame is moved away from its working position. The punch can be actuated through the lever either with a manual handle, or with a power actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming the width of blinds in which the blinds have a headrail, and a bottom rail and blind slats, and the apparatus has a support body with a headrail opening, and a bottom rail opening, and a blind slat opening in which the blind components are insertable from one side of the support body, a die plate located alongside the support body, a headrail cutting recess in the die plate, guides on the support body for the die plate, guiding the die plate to move relative to the headrail opening between two positions and the apparatus having a bottom rail and blind slat cutter which operates 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.

Abstract: A method for trimming the width of blinds of the type having a headrail, a bottom rail and blind slats, by an apparatus having a support body with a headrail opening, and a bottom rail opening, and a blind slat opening, the headrail, bottom rail and blind slats being inserted into their openings from one side of the support body, and cutters located alongside the support body for cutting the blind components for cutting the ends of the components, and in which the blind slats are arranged in two bundles separated by a spacer. A method for trimming the width of a vertical blind having a headrail and control rods is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting tool assembly which can cut spring wires in either a vertical or a progress tilt direction in coil spring winding machines. This assembly uses a cam seat and a cam center guide seat for the cutting in a vertical direction. To do the cutting in a progressive tilt direction, the cam center guide seat is dismantled and the slide in the cam seat is fixed by screws. The cutting point can also be adjusted for the manufacture of special springs. This assembly provides a cheaper and an easy way for switching the cutting direction.

Abstract: A sheet cutter has a fixed blade and a movable blade. The fixed blade has a straight edge extending in a lateral direction with respect to a longitudinal direction of a sheet to be cut, and the movable blade is provided so as to be moved in the longitudinal direction. The movable blade has an edge on a side of a blade end portion extending in a direction making a first angle with the straight edge of the fixed blade. The edge of the movable blade is pressed against the edge of the fixed blade.

Abstract: A cutting device for strip stock includes a stationary blade and a motor-driven, movable blade that continuously contacts against the stationary blade, constituting a point of support. Two other points of support for the movable blade are equally spaced from the cutting edge of the blade and from the sides of the blade. The other two supporting points also function as blade drive points for moving the blade in a reciprocating manner. The drive points are connected to an output shaft of the motor through a gear assembly. A pair of ball bearings on each side of the blade, which are laterally spaced from each other on each respective side of the blade, cooperate with the blade to achieve a very low friction for the device during operation.

Abstract: A reciprocating knife cutter for performing a cutting operation on sheet material is provided wherein the knife is not limited to reciprocation along a vertical axis. The cutter includes a guide which engages the knife, whereby the knife and guide are constrained to slide relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the knife. The knife is reciprocated by an eccentric drive mechanism in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis of the mechanism, and the guide is pivotally mounted on the cutter so that the knife and guide remain in engagement as the knife is reciprocated. A sheet material cutting apparatus including such a reciprocating cutter is also provided. The invention also provides a knife sharpener for a cutting apparatus.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism for a hand held printer includes a lever pivotally mounted to a base and coupled to a slidably mounted blade. Pivotal movement of the lever translates the blade along a cutting axis to cut labeling media. The lever is automatically returned to the noncutting position by a spring, and the blade is biased toward the cutting bar by a spring incorporated in the blade mounting mechanism. The blade has a chevron shape to provide a clean cut in a short cutting stroke.