Abstract: A punching machine contains a base, a bottom cover, a pressing seat, a slot, and a stopping recess. The punching machine also contains a holder, and a limiting groove has a press device mounted therein and fixed in an imitation notch of the holder, the press device has a first positioning piece, at least one spacing block, a second positioning piece, and a third positioning piece. The holder has at least one opening, the first positioning piece has at least one first pore, the second positioning piece has at least one second pore, and the third positioning piece has at least one third pore. A respective one of at least one column has a shape-varying cross section so as to matching with a shape of each second pore and each third pore. Also, the forcing controller further has a locating element.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a material web transported in a longitudinal direction through the apparatus includes a machine frame, an anvil cylinder positioned in the machine frame and rotatable around a first axis; and a tool cylinder positioned in the machine frame and rotatable around a second axis. The first and second axes of rotation are respectively oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the material web. The anvil cylinder and the tool cylinder are rotatable toward each other so that the material web can be guided between the anvil cylinder and the tool cylinder. The anvil cylinder and the tool cylinder are pivotally mounted to deviate by the same angle from a right angle to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An automated hole punch including a die plate having a surface including a plurality of spaced apertures extending there through. A plurality of punches, one of the plurality of punches cooperating with each of the apertures. A raised profile extends outwardly from the surface of the die plate and above one or more of the plurality of apertures. A drive mechanism operatively connected to the plurality of punches for moving the plurality of punches toward the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A metal panel shear cutter is designed for metal panels which include support ribs. The metal panel cutter utilizes an anvil type cutting blade positioned at each side of a cutting base. Each cutting blade is pivotally connected to a cutting base in the vertical plane. The cutting base also includes supports for the ribs of the panels to allow for a smooth and clean cut of the panel. The cutting blades and a small portion of the cutting base are pivotally connected to the cutting base in the horizontal plane so they may be pivoted to the desired cutting angle while the metal panel remains fixed with respect to the base. This pivotal portion of the base includes additional supports for the ribs of the panel. These supports are adjustable to accommodate the various angles at which the panels are to be cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous, high-speed production of punched strip having an array of high-tolerance closely-spaced holes with positive ejection of waste punch-out material. A first pair of opposed rotary dies, one a female die and the other a male/female die, punches a first set of holes in a strip fed continuously between the dies, and a second pair of opposed rotary dies, one the male/female die and the other a male die, punches a second set of holes in the strip between the first set of holes, the strip being wrapped about the common male/female die during punching of the first and second sets of holes to continuously index the strip with the two opposed pairs of rotary dies to ensure production of the high-tolerance closely-spaced holes.

Abstract: A sheet punching device that cuts holes in a sheet while punches are entering die holes, in which a plurality of punch trains along each of which a plurality of punches are aligned on a rotating shaft in parallel with the rotating shaft are disposed in the rotation direction of the rotating shaft, and the die holes are disposed in correspondence with the punches of the punch trains.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous, high-speed production of punched strip having an array of high-tolerance closely-spaced holes with positive ejection of waste punch-out material. A first pair of opposed rotary dies, one a female die and the other a male/female die, punches a first set of holes in a strip fed continuously between the dies, and a second pair of opposed rotary dies, one the male/female die and the other a male die, punches a second set of holes in the strip between the first set of holes, the strip being wrapped about the common male/female die during punching of the first and second sets of holes to continuously index the strip with the two opposed pairs of rotary dies to ensure production of the high-tolerance closely-spaced holes.

Abstract: Mold apparatus for molded wood strand three-dimensionally carved articles of manufacture using at least one hole punch comprised of a base and a funnel shaped hole-defining portion having a funnel angle of 20 degrees or greater to vertical for producing molded holes at angles of 20 degrees or greater to vertical, to facilitate insertion of items such as a T nut within the molded hole in an assembly-line like fashion.

Abstract: A method for creating multiple punch holes during a finishing process of paper sheets and other sheet materials. A highlight of the present invention is the ability to select between at least two configurations of punch holes automatically, without manual adjustment, and “on-the-fly” without interruption of the sheet or paper flow. The perforation method utilizes two rotatable punches set at different angles such that when one intersects the sheet path, the other clears the sheet path. The speed of rotation is controlled such that the non-selected punch intersects the sheet path in a space between pitches.

Abstract: A device and method for creating multiple punch holes during a finishing process of paper sheets and other sheet materials. The improved sheet punch including two rotatable punches set at different angles such that when one intersects the sheet path, the other clears the sheet path. The speed of rotation is controlled such that the non-selected punch intersects the sheet path in a space between pitches.

Abstract: An improved and more efficient perforation method for creating multiple punch holes during a finishing process of paper sheets and other sheet materials. A highlight of the present invention is the ability to select between at least two configurations of punch holes automatically, without manual adjustment, and “on-the-fly” without interruption of the sheet or paper flow. The perforation method utilizes two rotatable punches set at different angles such that when one intersects the sheet path, the other clears the sheet path. The speed of rotation is controlled such that the non-selected punch intersects the sheet path in a space between pitches.

Abstract: A rotary punching apparatus for punching openings in a moving web workpiece the openings having a predetermined length along the longitudinal axis of the web and having a pair of die assemblies located on opposite sides of the path of the web and a drive for rotating the assemblies, a leading die mounted on one assembly, and being moveable for generally radially so as to punch a die opening through the web, a mating die recess punched in the other of the assemblies; and, a trailing die adjacent to the leading die, being located to punch the web at a point adjacent the punched die opening so as to punch a second die opening in the web, the first die opening and the trailing die opening together defining a continuous opening having a predetermined length along the web. Also disclosed is a method of rotary punching by use of such apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a punch for punching a workpiece. In particular, the invention relates to a punch including a base to stably support the punch and a support member configured to accommodate and locate the workpiece in a punching position. The support member is preferably movably connected to the base and preferably includes at least one punch member configured and operably associated with the support portion to punch the workpiece in the punching position upon an actuation movement of the support member with respect to the base. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a punch having a paper tray oriented at an angle with respect to the base to support a sufficient portion of a sheet of paper to prevent an unsupported portion from falling over and withdrawing from the support portion. In particular, the paper tray and punch mechanism are oriented to expel paper chips such that the chips are visible to an operator as they are punched.

Abstract: A sheet punching device cuts holes in a sheet while punches are entering die holes. The sheet punching device includes, a plurality of punch trains, each of which includes a plurality of the punches axially aligned on a rotating shaft and projecting in a radial direction of the. The plurality of punch trains is disposed in a rotation direction of the rotating shaft relative to one another, and the die holes are disposed in correspondence with the plurality of punches. One of the plurality of punch trains is selectively used in cutting holes in the sheet.

Abstract: An improved and more efficient device and method for creating multiple punch holes during a finishing process of paper sheets and other sheet materials. A highlight of the present invention is the ability to select between at least two configurations of punch holes automatically, without manual adjustment, and “on-the-fly” without interruption of the sheet or paper flow. The improved sheet punch comprises two rotatable punches set at different angles such that when one intersects the sheet path, the other clears the sheet path. The speed of rotation is controlled such that the non-selected punch intersects the sheet path in a space between pitches.

Abstract: To produce at least one perforation in a non-woven sheet (N) of fibers or filaments, said sheet (N) is brought into contact with a perforated cylinder (2), equipped with at least one insert (8). Each insert includes, at one end, a plane surface (S), and is provided with a recess (8b) which emerges in said plane surface (S), and which has a sharp edge (8g) formed by the intersection of the inner surface (8f) of said recess (8b) with said plane surface (S). A perforation in the non-woven sheet (N) is obtained by cutting out a portion (P) of the non-woven sheet (N) by shearing of the fibers or filaments of the non-woven sheet (N), between the sharp edge (8g) of said insert (8) and a perforating member (9) driven simultaneously in translation and in rotation about its own axis.

Abstract: A system for cutting sheet material. The system has a first roller with at least one cutting element thereon with the first roller rotatable around a first axis and the second roller having at least one receptacle thereon and rotatable around a second axis. The first and second rollers are relatively positioned so that as the first and second rollers rotate around the first and second axes, the one cutting element aligns with and projects into the one receptacle to thereby cause cutting out of a discrete portion of a sheet material between the first and second rollers. A servo drive is provided for at least one of a) rotating the first roller around the first axis and b) rotating the second roller around the second axis.

Abstract: A sheet punch device including a punch member having a rotatable punch and a die pair that punches a hole in a sheet, a driving member that drives and rotates the punch member to punch a hole in a conveyed sheet, and in which the punch member punches holes in the conveyed sheet at plural places aligned in a sheet conveying direction. The sheet punch device further includes a sheet detecting member that is disposed upstream of the punch member in the sheet conveying direction and that detects a leading edge of the sheet being conveyed. Also included is a control device that controls the driving member such that the punch member punches a predetermined number of holes in the conveyed sheet sequentially at predetermined positions aligned in the sheet conveying direction at a predetermined time after the sheet detecting member detects a leading edge of the conveyed sheet.

Abstract: A rotary perforation apparatus for perforating sheet material. The apparatus includes a frame, a die holder mounted on the frame for rotation about a first axis, at least one die mounted on the die holder, a punch carrier mounted on the frame for rotation about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis, and at least one punch mounted on the punch carrier. The punch is movable in a generally radial direction with respect to the second axis. The apparatus also includes a drive mechanism for rotating at least one of the die holder and the punch carrier about its respective axis to effect relative rotation between the die holder and the punch carrier. The rotation is synchronized so the punch on the punch carrier is intermittently cooperable with the die on the die holder for perforating sheet material fed between the die holder and the punch carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged to construct a reclosable zipper attached to a polymeric web. The zipper has a female profile with first and second elongated legs substantially perpendicular to the web and a channel therebetween. The apparatus includes a punch wheel having a first surface for supporting a first portion of the web on a first side of the zipper. The punch wheel includes a plurality of projecting punches for engaging the channel between the first and second legs of the female profile and for exerting a punch force through the first leg to remove slugs from the first leg. The apparatus includes a die wheel adjacent to and coaxially aligned with the punch wheel. The die wheel has a second surface for supporting a second portion of the web on a second side of the zipper and has a plurality of voids for receiving the punches. The punch wheel includes a cam for pushing the punch, and the first and second surfaces are tapered.

Abstract: A rotary punching device for punching a hole on a sheet includes: a first rotary shaft having an outer peripheral surface; a punch mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotary shaft; a second rotary shaft arranged in parallel with the first rotary shaft, the second rotary shaft having an outer peripheral surface; a die mounted on the outer peripheral surface of second rotary shaft; a motor connected to the first and second rotary shafts to synchronously drive the first and second rotary shafts such that the punch and the die are engaged with each other within a predetermined rotational angle range; a sheet feeding mechanism for feeding the sheet into between the first and second rotary shafts at a constant sheet feeding speed to punch the sheet by the punch and the die; and controller for controlling the rotation speed of the motor referring to the sheet feeding speed.

Abstract: A punch assembly is provided for a rotary forms press, for punching holes in a sheet of paper or other material as the material travels between punch and die assemblies. The punch assembly is of the split ring type, and has a hub to be carried on a punch shaft and driven thereby. A split punch ring of multiple segments is provided, for mounting on the hub, with the segments being connected together. The punches are carried by the punch ring. There is a slip fit between the punch ring and the hub to allow movement between the punch ring and hub to accommodate minor repositioning of the punch ring and its punches as the punches enter holes of dies with which they will engage, with the slip fit allowing either rotary repositioning or axial repositioning. Clearance is provided to an enable a limited amount of axial repositioning.

Abstract: A punch roll which may be used in existing roll piercing systems. The punch roll has radially oriented punches which cooperate with dies upon coordinated rotation to pierce holes in material. The punch roll features a two-piece construction. The two pieces include an annular ring which is maintained in coaxial relationship with a cylindrical member. In the preferred embodiment, the cylindrical member has axially oriented spline-like recessed portions formed in the peripheral surfaces thereof. The recessed portions are preferably oriented parallel to the axis of the member. In the punch roll annular member, the radially oriented bores provide a close tolerance sliding fit with a first portion of a punch. The second portion of the punch has a larger cross-section than the first and is received in the recessed portion located between the annular ring and the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable bag includes an elongated male and female profile. The female profile has first and second legs parallel to each other to form a channel there between. The first leg has a plurality of portions removed to form a series of breaks in the first leg along the length, and the second leg is substantially continuous in dimension along the length. The male profile is constructed for engaging the channel and interlocking with the first and second legs. The zipper is made by a rotary punching mechanism having L-shaped punches insertable in between the first and second legs.

Abstract: A method of forming a rotary cutting die includes the following steps. A curved cutting rule transfer plate including an inner surface and an outer surface is provided. A cutting rule channel is formed in the transfer plate, and defines a predetermined design. A cutting rule having a cutting edge and a support edge is placed in the cutting rule channel. The support edge of the cutting rule extends from the inner surface of the transfer plate. A translucent rotary die place is formed on the inner surface of the transfer plate. The support edge of the cutting rule extends into and is supported in the rotary die plate. The transfer plate is then removed from the rotary die plate.

Abstract: A die lift tool removes worn or damaged dies from their bores in the female wheel of a rotary punch machine. The tool has a generally cylindrical camming portion with a segment removed to form a lowered surface. The tool is inserted into openings located below die bores with the lowered surface in contact with the bottom of a die. When the tool is rotated, the die is displaced outwardly from its bore by the camming portion for removal from the wheel.

Abstract: A punching and perforating cylinder and a die and anvil cylinder are part of a computer paper processing system producing the line holes and the cross perforation in a continuous paper web. The PUNCH/PERF cylinder is mounted on an upper shaft, while the DIE/ANVIL cylinder is mounted on a lower shaft. The upper and lower shafts are rotatably engaged by a set of gears. At both ends of the PUNCH/PERF cylinder, holes are located to accept the PUNCHES. At both ends of the DIE/ANVIL cylinder, holes are located to accept the DIES. While the two cylinders are rolling together, the punches engage with the dies and form the punched line holes in the continuous paper web. The PUNCH/PERF cylinder has longitudinally formed slots, providing the space for the cross perforating blades and for the cross perforating blade clamping bars. The DIE/ANVIL cylinder has longitudinally formed slots, providing the space for the hardened anvil bars.

Abstract: A rotary punching machine comprises a pair of punching tools, namely a rotary punching tool with punches arranged on its circumference and a rotary counter tool, which co-operates with the latter, with dies in the form of punching bushings arranged on its circumference. One of the punching tools (1) and the counter tool (3) has a radial groove (12) on its circumferential surface between the respective individual punches (2) or the individual punching bushings (4), the depth of the groove being greater than the depth of penetration of the punches (2) into the punching bushings (4).

Abstract: A rotary hole punching die assembly comprises a plurality of hole punch inserts mounted in radial holes circumferentially spaced around a punch wheel. A retainer ring having a plurality of projecting cogs engages the plurality of hole punch inserts and retains the inserts on the punch wheel. A clamping collar and key are assembled with the punch wheel and retainer ring on a rotary mandrel, and secure the punch wheel and retainer ring against axial and rotational movement relative to the mandrel. The rotary hole punching die assembly prevents any one hole punch insert from being disassembled from the assembly without removing the entire assembly from the rotary mandrel, and the entire assembly cannot be removed from the mandrel without first removing the mandrel, along with the assembly, completely from the rotary press.

Abstract: A sideframe (12) of a printing press has a slot (18) having opposed elongate grooves (30, 32) receiving an adjustable gib (14) and a fixed gib (16) respectively for receiving a rotary die journal bearing block (10) therebetween in sliding movement. The adjustable gib has a stem (38) received within the associated side groove (30) and attached by adjustment fasteners (40), each of which includes an eccentric portion (42) received with an associated stem opening (48) to move adjustable gib relative to fixed gib which has a stem (56) received within the associated side groove (32) and attached by fasteners (58), to vary the width of the slot. The adjustable gib includes an elongate groove (54) which receives a bearing block key (86) said key being attached to said bearing block by an adjustment fastener (74) to permit lateral adjustment of said bearing block relative to said sideframe.

Abstract: A rotary punch including a punch wheel rotatable on a central axis, the wheel having an end face lying in a radial plane of the wheel and an outer generally cylindric rim surface extending generally axially of the wheel. A plurality of radial bores in the wheel extend generally radially inwardly from the rim surface at intervals spaced circumferentially of the wheel, and a corresponding plurality of axial bores in the wheel extend generally axially inwardly from said end face of the wheel intersecting the radial bores generally at right angles. A plurality of generally cylindric punch elements are inserted in the radial bores, each punch element having a circumferential groove.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively forming a continuously moving web (5) with apertures or holes by means of a punching mechanism consisting of a rotating die (26) and a rotating punch (14) and with venting pinholes by means of a rotating needle bar (34) and a rotating abutment (13). The die (26) or punch (14) and the needle bar (34) are secured to a common shaft (28). The punch (14) or die (26) for cooperating with the die (26) or punch (14) on the common shaft (28) is secured to a first shaft (11) on the opposite side of the web (5). The abutment (13) for cooperating with the needle bar (34) is secured to a second shaft (12) disposed on the opposite side of the web (5). The first and second shafts (11, 12) are movably mounted in pivoted mounting arms (9, 10), which can be fixed in position. A rotation of the first and second shafts (11, 12) will either move the punch (14) or die (26) into engagement with the die (26) or punch (14) or will move the needle bar (31) into engagement with the abutment (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting tool and a tool holder for cutting panels from blanks of sheet-like material. The cutting tool comprises a thin cutting plate on which is formed by etching a cutting edge having a contour corresponding to the outline of the panels to be cut out. The cutting plate also comprises a plurality of openings which are surrounded by the cutting edge. The tool holder is a metallic cylinder to be mounted on the drive shaft of a conventional panel cutting apparatus and comprises a seat for receiving the cutting plate which is retained in the seat by keys. In the cylinder are formed passageways communicating with a source of vacuum and also communicating with the openings on the cutting plate to create a zone of vacuum in the vicinity of the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method of accurately punching holes into a moving web of a thermoplastic film material, and more particularly, punching holes into the web through the intermediary of a rotary serrated tube punch. The invention relates to accurately punching holes into an advancing web of thermoplastic film material utilizing a novel rotary serrated tube punch. The film web is continuously advanced over at least a portion of the circumferential surface of a rotatable anvil roll, and tensioned against the anvil roll surface through the use of suitable tensioning devices, such as tension rollers arranged upstream and downstream of the anvil roll. At least one opening is formed in the circumferential surface of the anvil roll which is smaller than the size of the hole which is desired to be punched into the film web through the use of the inventive rotary tube punching arrangement. An annular groove extends about the hole in the surface of the anvil roll, forming a land between the hole and the groove.

Abstract: A method of accurately punching holes into a moving web of a thermoplastic film material, and more particularly, punching holes into the web through the intermediary of a rotary serrated tube punch. The invention relates to accurately punching holes into an advancing web of thermoplastic film material utilizing a novel rotary serrated tube punch. The film web is continuously advanced over at least a portion of the circumferential surface of a rotatable anvil roll, and tensioned against the anvil roll surface through the use of suitable tensioning devices, such as tension rollers arranged upstream and downstream of the anvil roll. At least one opening is formed in the circumferential surface of the anvil roll which is slightly larger than the size of the hole which is desired to be punched into the film web through the use of the inventive rotary tube punching arrangement.

Abstract: A serrated rotary die having a minimum die cutback angle .theta., wherein ##EQU1## where CL DIST is the centerline distance between punch and die axes of rotation, ##EQU2## MD is a die internal diameter at the die teeth roots, and HT is the height of the die over midpoint.

Abstract: A quick change punch reel for a rotary press comprises a transversely split annular main body member having radially extending cylindrical sockets for receiving individual punches, each punch having a head and a base and an outer cylindrical sidewall with a circumferential undercut including a tapered wall extending toward the base of the punch. The sockets are adjacent a planar side face of the main body member and cylindrical bores are formed through the side face in alignment with and intersecting the sockets with the bores having counterbores at the side face. Punch retaining plungers are spring-biased into the bores and counterbores by means of a transversely split cap plate which is secured to the side face of the main body member. Cylindrical punches may be exchanged in the sockets by retracting the plungers against the compressive force of individual springs such that the punches are received within the sockets and retained by spherical heads of the plungers within the undercuts of the punches.

Abstract: A punch ring apparatus particularly useful in a printing operating involving web fed paper is provided which is easily adapted for punching file holes, line holes, or a wide variety of hole patterns in the moving paper web, thereby substantially reducing makeready times and associated costs. The punch ring hereof preferably includes a plurality of radially-oriented, spaced-apart punches mounted in the punch ring and radially shiftable between an outermost punch position and a retracted position, with the punches being spring biased into the retracted position. The punch ring preferably includes an annular concentric groove in an axial face thereof, with the proximal ends of the punches extending into the groove when the punches are in the retracted position. One or more annular camming rings are received in the groove and configured such that axial rotation of a camming ring will outwardly shift one or more of the punches into the punch position to produce the desired hole punch pattern.

Abstract: A device for perforating a web or sheet of material, includes a rotatable male die carrier roll having at least one radially extending cylindrical bore opening into its outer periphery, and a male die holder comprising a hollow cylinder having an outer diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the bore and being removably located within the bore. The outer and inner cylindrical surfaces of the hollow cylinder are substantially smooth, and the cylinder has a through slit extending in a radial direction completely between such surfaces and completely between opposite ends thereof. And, means are provided for applying an external force against the cylinder for frictionally holding a male die member in place therewithin, the slit in the cylinder permitting it to yield to such force supplying means.

Abstract: A rotary press punch ring includes a collar mountable on a shaft of a rotary press and a plurality of punch ring segments, each of which carries a plurality of punches. The punch ring segments are removably and interchangeably attached to the collar so that several punches may be removed and replaced as a group by removing and replacing one of the punch ring segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting round corners on advancing sheets. The sheets are cut from a web and advanced continuously to a transport roll provided with aligned corner-rounding assemblies located to meet the line of cut between successive sheets.

Abstract: The present invention is a clamping arrangement for the pins of a stamp perforating cylinder. A plurality of cavities are arranged in a checkerboard fashion on the surface of the stamp perforating cylinder. The pins are mounted along the side walls of the cavities and extend radially outwardly from the surface of the cylinder. The pins are held firmly in place within each cavity by a clamping member, a screw and an elastomer ring. The elastomer ring is installed at the base of the cavity and is held in place by the clamping member and screw. The screw and the clamping member coact to compress and displace outwardly the elastomer ring thereby firmly grasping the pins mounted along the side walls and securing the pins against movement. The clamping arrangement provides for retention of the pins while at the same time it permits easy removal and replacement of individual pins.

Abstract: A novel punch for employment in a machine utilizing a punch ring containing a number of spaced, radially-arrayed holes in which the punches are secured, with the punch ring being used in cooperative relation with a die ring employing a number of dies corresponding to the number of punches used. During synchronous rotation of the punch ring and the die ring, each punch interacts each time with a corresponding die, with this arrangement making it possible for the edges of a continuous roll of paper or the like destined to be used in a computer or other type of business machine to be rapidly and effectively punched.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting shaped articles from thin material. By way of example, the material can be uncooked dough and the articles can be preforms which are further processed into snack food chips. A rotary cutter includes a first roller having a cylindrical surface with a plurality of article cutters positioned around and projecting outwardly from the cylindrical surface. A second roller has plurality of trim cutters positioned around and projecting outwardly from it cylindrical surface. As the two rollers are rotated, the article cutters and the trim cutters are brought sequentially into shearing engagement to cut the material into articles and trim. Stripping fingers adjacent the outlet of the cutter bite, strip the articles and trim from the rollers for further processing. Preferably, the material is fed to the rollers as a ribbon, and the cutters cut the material into one or more ribbons of articles and ribbons of trim.

Abstract: A sheet material is advanced to a first location where cutting tools cut into it but not through it along the outline of the desired blank. Thereupon the sheet material and the cutting tools are jointly advanced to a second location where the cutting tools cut completely through the sheet material along the outline, and subsequently the thus-severed blank and the surrounding sheet material scrap are removed separately from the second location.

Abstract: A continuously moving web passes over a fixed female die, which die is slotted to define a U-shaped cutting edge. A cylindrical punch rotates on an axis above the path of the web so that a cutting edge defined at the free end of the punch moves into the slot defined in the fixed die to cut a tab in the web. The length of the tab so cut can be varied by changing the relative speed of movement between the punch and that of the web, and the punch is mounted at an offset to its rotational axis. If such offset is positive, that is in the direction of rotation, the tab can be formed to "lead" the web. Providing the offset in the opposite or negative direction, the tab "trails" the web.