A rotary cutting apparatus, and a method for cutting a web of material by using a rotary cutting apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a rotary cutting apparatus for cutting a web of material, which includes a frame, and a cutting unit movably disposed within the frame. The cutting unit has a rotary cutter rotatably disposed in the cutting unit. The rotary cutter has a vertical axis, a shaft, a cutting blade mounted on a surface of the shaft, and a blade plate mounted on compression springs guided by linear bearings for pushing the cutting blade outside the shaft. Further, the rotary cutter has bearer rings to facilitate a contact between a rotary anvil and the rotary cutter, and a flange mounted on tension springs, such that the cutting blade can be changed. An angular rule mounted on the frame of the rotary cutting apparatus is used to determine and adjust a position of the rotary cutter.

Description

A ROTARY CUTTING APPARATUS, AND A METHOD FOR CUTTING A WEB OF MATERIAL BY USING A ROTARY CUTTING APPARATUSFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cutting solution for making a straight cut on materials with an accurate setting of a cutting blade on a rotary cutter of a rotary cutting apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0002] To perpendicularly cut a web of material, the most common solution is to have a carbide cutting blade, which is typically fixed on a steel cylinder support. There are different kinds of shapes that can be used for the carbide cutting blade, e.g., a carbide tip brazed onto the steel cylinder support, a square piece of a carbide with sharpened angles, or a carbide cutting blade with two or more cutting edges. However, these solutions still have their inherent drawbacks. The lifetime of such carbide cutting blades is short typically from one week to one month. Moreover, since the entire edge length of the carbide cutting blade needs to touch the anvil at the same time to get the most optimal cut, it is not unusual to apply high forces to compensate for geometrical imperfections, and to get the cut over the entire carbide cutting blade length. These high forces result in harmful shocks, and vibrations oftentimes damaging the anvil. The carbide cutting blades also need to be adjusted in a proper height, and be aligned prior to cutting to perform a good cut. However, the high cost of such an arrangement is a major disadvantage.

[0003] For making an ideal straight cut, this is usually performed by a cutting blade, which typically has several cutting edges positioned on a shaft. The position of the cutting edges on currently existing cutting apparatuses is not accurate, and takes a long time to correctly set. On existing straight cutting solutions that are currently available in the market to a consumer, the value of the setting of the blade is not known, because there is no angular rule to determine the position of the cutter. It is sometimes indirectly estimated by using a light passing through the cutting edge, and the anvil. An approximate setting of the carbide cutting blade may potentially lead to extensiveinteraction and interference with the anvil, which decreases drastically the lifetime of the cutting edge, or may at times even damage, or break it.

[0004] The setting of the contact between the carbide cutting blade edge, and the anvil is commonly done by screwing, or unscrewing screws behind the carbide cutting blade. To verify that the setting is optimal, a light should ideally not pass through the established contact between the carbide cutting blade edge, and the anvil. This kind of setting, however, is not accurate because one cannot guarantee to have a line in contact with the anvil. Moreover, it is cumbersome and time-consuming to do this. Another existing technology to determine the setting is to have a set of cutting blades, and a holder with spacers. This technology is also time-consuming because spacers of different heights must be tested before choosing the right spacer. Another inherent drawback is the high accuracy needed on the carbide cutting blade, and the holder surfaces that are not used to cut, but only used to hold the part.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved cutting solution for making a straight cut on materials with an accurate setting of the cutting blade on the rotary cutter of a rotary cutting apparatus.SUMMARY

[0006] Provided is a rotary cutting apparatus for cutting a web of material, which includes a frame and a cutting unit movably disposed within the frame. The cutting unit includes a rotary cutter rotatably disposed in the cutting unit. The rotary cutter has a vertical axis, a shaft, a cutting blade mounted on a surface of the shaft, a blade plate mounted on compression springs guided by linear bearings for pushing the cutting blade outside the shaft. Further, the rotary cutter has bearer rings to facilitate a contact between a rotary anvil and the rotary cutter, and a flange mounted on tension springs, such that the cutting blade can be changed. An angular rule mounted on the frame of the rotary cutting apparatus is used to determine and adjust a position of the rotary cutter.

[0007] Optionally, the cutting blade of the rotary cutter includes cutting edges inclined at an angle (X) relative to the vertical axis of the rotary cutter to promote a bendingof the cutting blade of the rotary cutter when the cutting blade of the rotary cutter is in contact with the anvil to cut the web of material.

[0008] Optionally, the angle (X) ranges from about 0° to about 85°.

[0009] Optionally, the angle (X) ranges from about 20° to about 85°.

[0010] Optionally, the angle (X) ranges from about 50° to about 85°.

[0011] Optionally, the rotary cutting apparatus further includes a manometer configured to supply pressure to facilitate a contact between the bearer rings and the rotary anvil.

[0012] Optionally, the rotary cutting apparatus further includes pneumatic cylinders configured to apply a load a load to the anvil.

[0013] Optionally, the rotary cutting apparatus further includes hydraulic cylinders configured to apply a load a load to the anvil.

[0014] Optionally, the rotary cutting apparatus further includes a flange handle to switch the cutting blade.

[0015] Optionally, the cutting blade of the rotary cutter includes a plurality of open holes configured to receive the tension springs and screws while a bottom of the cutting blade rests on the blade plate.

[0016] Also provided is a method for cutting a web of material by using a rotary cutting apparatus, which includes a frame and a cutting unit movably disposed within the frame. The cutting unit includes a rotary cutter rotatably disposed in the cutting unit. The rotary cutter has a vertical axis, a shaft, a cutting blade mounted on a surface of the shaft, a blade plate mounted on compression springs guided by linear bearings for pushing the cutting blade outside the shaft. Further, the rotary cutter has bearer rings to facilitate a contact between a rotary anvil and the rotary cutter, and a flange mounted on tension springs, such that the cutting blade can be changed. An angular rule mounted on theframe is used to determine and adjust a position of the rotary cutter. The method includes rotating the rotary cutter and the rotary anvil to cut the web of material.

[0017] Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be, or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. Nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. Further aspects and advantages are discussed below in conjunction with the examples of the disclosure. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are examples and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the subject matter and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the subject matter and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a top perspective view of the rotary cutting apparatus in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the rotary cutting apparatus in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the rotary cutter of the rotary cutting apparatus in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0022] Fig. 4a shows a front view of the rotary cutter of the rotary cutting apparatus in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0023] Fig. 4b shows a projected left view of Fig.4a, where the rotary cutter of the rotary cutting apparatus has a cross section A-A in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0024] Fig. 4c shows a projected right view of Fig.4a, where the rotary cutter of the rotary cutting apparatus has a cross section B-B in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0025] Fig. 4d shows a projected left view of Fig.4a, where the rotary cutter of the rotary cutting apparatus has a cross section C-C in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0026] Fig. 4e shows a projected right view of Fig.4a, where the rotary cutter of the rotary cutting apparatus has a cross section D-D in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0027] Fig. 5a shows a front view of the cutting blade of the rotary cutter in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0028] FIG. 5b shows a projected view of the cutting blade of the rotary cutter shown in FIG.5a in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0029] Fig. 6a shows a front view of the rotary cutting apparatus in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0030] Fig. 6b shows a projected left view of Fig. 6a with the rotary cutting apparatus having a cross section B-B in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0031] Fig. 6c shows a projected right view of Fig 6a in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0032] Fig. 7a shows a front view of the rotary cutting apparatus when the cutting blade has been changed in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0033] Fig. 7b shows a projected right view of Fig. 7a in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0034] Fig. 8a shows a projected view of the cutting blade of the rotary cutter, and its position relative to the anvil, and the bearer rings in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

[0035] Fig. 8b shows a projected view of the cutting blade of the rotary cutter, and its position relative to the anvil, and the bearer rings in accordance with yet another example of the present subject matter.

[0036] Fig. 9 shows a projected right view of Fig 6a in accordance with the present subject matter.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Unless defined otherwise all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently described subject matter pertains.

[0038] Where a range of values is provided, for example, concentration ranges, percentage ranges, or ratio ranges, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the described subject matter. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and such examples are also encompassed within the described subject matter, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the described subject matter.

[0039] The following definitions set forth the parameters of the described subject matter.

[0040] As used herein, the term “spring” is a device consisting of an elastic but a largely rigid material, e.g. typically a metal, which is bent or molded into a form that can return into its original shape after being compressed or extended. Springs are capable of storing mechanical energy, and can release the mechanical energy when the opposing force is removed.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are used interchangeably. It is meant to mean plus or minus 5% of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used in the claims and herein this disclosure. Thus, “about” may be used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint, in which, a given value may be “above” or “below” the given value. As such, for example a value of 50% may be intended to encompass a range, which may be defined by for example ranges like 47.5%- 52.25%, 47.5%-52.5%, 47.75%-50%, 50%-52.5%, 48%-48.5%, 48%-48.75%, 48%-49%, 48%-49.5%, 48%-49.75%, 48%-50%, 48%-50.25%, 48%-50.5%, 48%-50.75%, 48%- 51 %, 48%-51.5%, 48%-51.75%, 48%-52%, 48%-52.25%, 48%-52.5%, 48.25%-48.5%, 48.25%-48.75%, 48.25%-49%, 48.25%-49.5%, 48.25%-49.75%, 48.25%-50%, 48.25%- 50.25%, 48.25%-50.5%, 48.25%-50.75%, 48.25%-51 %, 48.25%-51 .25%, 48.25%-51 .5%, 48.25%-51 .75%, 48.25%-52%, 48.25%-52.25%, 48.25%-52.5%, 48.5%-48.75%, 48.5%- 49%, 48.5%-49.5%, 48.5%-49.75%, 48.5%-50%, 48.5%-50.25%, 48.5%-50.5%, 48.5%- 50.75%, 48.5%-51%, 48.5%-51 .25%, 48.5%-51.5%, 48.5%-51 .75%, 48.5%-52%, 48.5%- 52.25%, 48.5%-52.5%, 49%-49.25%, 49%-49.5%, 49%-49.75%, 49%-50%, 49%-50.25%, 49%-50.5%, 49%-50.75%, 49%-51 %, 49%-51.25%, 49%-51.5%, 49%-51.75%, 49%- 52%, 49%-52.25%, 49%-52.5% 49.5%-49.75%, 49.5%-50%, 49.5%-50.25%, 49.5%- 50.5%, 49.5%-50.75%, 49.5%-51 %, 49.5%-51.5%, 49.5%-51 .75%, 49.5%-52%, 49.5%- 52.25%, 49.5%-52.5%, 49.75%-50%, 49.75%-50.25%, 49.75%-50.5%, 49.75%-50.75%, 49.75%-51 %, 49.75%-51 .25%, 49.75%-51 .5%, 49.75%-51 .75%, 49.75%-52%, 49.75%- 52.25%, 49.75%-52.5%, 50%-50.25%, 50%-50.5%, 50%-50.75%, 50%-51 %, 50%- 51.25%, 50%-51.5%, 50%-52%, 50%-52.25%, 50%-52.5%.

[0042] As used herein, “wt.%” refers to a given weight percent based on a total weight of the cemented carbide.

[0043] As used herein, the term “cemented carbide” generally refers to a composite material constituted of a carbide hard phase generally constituted herein of tungsten carbide (WC) typically used in a weight of from about 70 wt.% to about 97 wt.% based on the total weight of the cemented carbide, anchored and cemented by a cobalt based metallic binder matrix (i.e. thus creating a cobalt based metallic binder phase), which cobalt based metallic binder is typically used in a weight from about 3 wt.% to about 30 wt.% based on the total weight of the cemented carbide. The carbide hard phase powder, and the cobalt based metallic binder phase powder can be processed into a wide variety of microstructures that achieve different mechanical, and physical properties. Moreover, additional components can be added to the composition to help control, and further to refine the properties achieved by cemented carbide compositions. By controlling various parameters including grain size, cobalt binder content, dotation (i.e., alloy carbides), and carbon content, a cemented carbide manufacturer can favorably tailor, and direct the performance of cemented carbides to specific and unique applications. A cemented carbide is ideally designed to provide the physical optimal properties of both a ceramic, such as, a high temperature-resistance and a great hardness, and those of a soft ductile metal, such as the capability to undergo plastic deformation, and provide good fracture toughness. The naturally ductile soft cobalt metal binder serves to offset the characteristic brittle behavior of the carbide hard phase, and thus raises its associated fracture toughness, and its durability. The carbide hard phase of the cemented carbide is generally constituted of refractory carbides of metals, such as, but not limited to most typically tungsten, however alternatively titanium, tantalum, chromium, vanadium, zirconium, or any combinations thereof. The carbide hard phase can be present in the cemented carbide powder in any possible combination having the mentioned metals, and in a weight that is not inconsistent and incompatible with the objectives of the present subject matter. To qualify as a cemented carbide herein, a cemented carbide generally has a carbide hard phase constituted of at least about 70 wt.% to about 97 wt.% based on the total weight of the cemented carbide, e.g. such as ranging from about 72 wt.% to about 97 wt.%, from about 75 wt.% to about 97 wt.%, from about 78 wt.% to about 97 wt.%, from about 81 wt.% to about 97 wt.%, from about 84 wt.% to about 97 wt.%, from about 87 wt.% to about 97 wt.%, from about 90 wt.% to about 97 wt.%, from about 93 wt.%to about 97 wt.%, from about 70 wt.% to about 72 wt.%, from about 72 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, from about 75 wt.% to about 78 wt.%, from about 72 wt.% to about 78 wt.%, from about 78 wt.% to about 81 wt.%, from about 81 wt.% to about 84 wt.%, from about 84 wt.% to about 87 wt.%, from about 78 wt.% to about 84 wt.%, from about 78 wt.% to about 87 wt.%, from about 87 wt.% to about 90 wt.%, from about 90 wt.% to about 93 wt.%, or from about 87 wt.% to about 93 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cemented carbide.

[0044] As used herein, the term “sintering” refers to a process, where heating under a controlled pressure is conducted to minimize the surface area of a particulate system. This is associated with generation of bonds between neighboring small particles or granules, and subsequent shrinkage of the aggregated particles or granules. Densification of a dense solid bulk mass is performed by heating the particles under a controlled pressure. As used herein, the term “ambient conditions” refer to a temperature of 25° C, 298.15 K and a pressure of 101 .325 kPa.

[0045] As used herein, the term “fracture toughness” i.e. , (Kic), refers to the ability of a material with pre-cracks to resist further fracture propagation upon absorbing energy.Fracture toughness (Kic) is calculated according to: where A is a constant of 0.0028, HV is the hardness (N / mm2), P is theapplied load (N), and ZL is the sum of crack lengths (mm) of imprints.

[0046] As used herein, the term “HV30 Vickers hardness” (i.e. applying a 30 kgf load) is a measure of the resistance of a sample to localized plastic deformation, which is obtained by indenting the sample with a Vickers tip at 30 kgf.

[0047] As used herein, the ISO 28079-2009 standard specifies a method for measuring the fracture toughness, and the hardness of hardmetals, cermets and cemented carbides at room temperature by an indentation method. The ISO 28079-2009 standard applies to a measurement of the fracture toughness, and the hardness calculated by using the diagonal lengths of indentations, and cracks emanating from the comers of a Vickers hardness indentation, and it is intended for use with metal-bonded carbides and carbonitrides (e.g., hardmetals, cermets or cemented carbides). The testprocedures proposed in the ISO 28079-2009 standard are intended for use at ambient temperatures but can be extended to higher or lower temperatures by agreement. The test procedures proposed in the ISO 28079-2009 standard are also intended for use in a normal laboratory-air environment. They are typically not intended for use in corrosive environments, such as strong acids or seawater. The ISO 28079-2009 standard is directly comparable to the standard ASTM B771 as disclosed for example in “Comprehensive Hard Materials book”, 2014, Elsevier Ltd. Page 312. Thus, it can be assumed that the measured fracture toughness and the hardness using the ISO 28079- 2009 standard will be the same as the measured values employing the ASTM B771 standard.

[0048] As used herein, the term “ductility” is defined by the degree, whereby a given material can sustain plastic deformation under tensile stress before ultimately undergoing failure and breakage.

[0049] As used herein, the term “green body” refers to a material being in a form of a compacted powder, or compacted plates, before the material has physically been sintered.

[0050] As used herein, the term “web of material” is meant to define a nonwoven material used in e.g., medical, hygiene, or diaper products. The web of material is a continuous web that is cut into discrete pieces, or from which a trim portion is removed.

[0051] Wherever used throughout the disclosure, the term “generally” has the meaning of “approximately”, “typically” or “closely” or “within the vicinity or range of’.

[0052] As used herein, the term “substantial” or “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

[0053] As used herein, the term “anvil” refers to a rotary ultra-hard structure with a flattened top surface, which is in a working relationship by establishing a physical contact with a rotary cutter to process and cut a web of material. The anvil can be constructedfrom any suitable size. The anvil can be made of any suitable material, or combination of materials, such as the following but without limitation cemented carbide, steel, a metal like e.g. bronze or copper, or another suitable metal, a metallic alloy, or a superalloy, or any such combinations thereof for conferring a good hardness, fracture toughness, rigidity, abrasion resistance, and strength.

[0054] As used herein, the term “bearing” refers to a physical element that constrains a relative motion to only a desired motion-type, and further that reduces any potential friction created between moving parts. The unique design of the particular bearing determines the specific type of movement conveyed to a moving part. The specific design of the bearing may, for instance, facilitate a free linear movement of the moving part, or may equally impart a free rotation around a fixed axis. Alternatively, it may prevent, suppress, or otherwise inhibit a motion by specifically controlling the vectors of normal loads and forces that physically act on the moving parts. Bearings may facilitate the desired motion by minimizing the effect of friction. Thus, bearings are classified exclusively according to the particular type of operation, the specific motion types that are allowed, or to the particular directions of the loads and forces that are applied to the moving parts.

[0055] As used herein, the term, “shaft” refers to a rotating apparatus-part, which is usually circular in a cross-section, and which is used to transmit power from one part to another.

[0056] As used herein, the term, “pneumatic cylinder” refers to a mechanical loading system device, which typically uses the power of a compressed gas in order to generate a force, which results in a reciprocating (i.e., repeating backward and forward motion) linear motion, or simply reciprocation. Once actuated, the compressed gas, which is e.g., typically compressed air, enters into the tube at one end of the piston, and thereafter imparts a force on the piston. Thus, in effect, the piston becomes displaced. Much like hydraulic cylinders, the compressed gas forces the piston in the pneumatic cylinders to move in the desired direction. The piston is principally a disc, or a cylinder.The piston rod transfers the force that it develops, by the action of the power of the compressed gas, to the object that is thereafter desired to be moved.

[0057] As used herein, the term, “flange” refers to a projecting ridge, a rim, a collar, or a ring on an object, such as e.g., a column, a beam, a pipe that provides additional strength, or additional surface area for the attachment to another object. For example, a flange may be used to strengthen beams, or to connect one object to another.

[0058] With reference to Figs. 1-3, 4, 4a-4e, and 6a-6c, provided is a rotary cutting apparatus 1a for cutting a web of material, which includes a frame 12 and a cutting unit 4a movably disposed within the frame 12. The cutting unit 4a includes a rotary cutter 14 rotatably disposed in the cutting unit 4a. The rotary cutter 14 has a vertical axis 2a, a shaft 2, a cutting blade 3 mounted on a surface of the shaft 2, and a blade plate 7 mounted on compression springs 9 guided by linear bearings 6 for pushing the cutting blade 3 outside the shaft 2. Further, the rotary cutter 14 has bearer rings 4 to facilitate a contact between a rotary anvil 17 and the rotary cutter 14, and a flange mounted 5 on tension springs 8, such that the cutting blade 3 can be changed easily. An angular rule 22 mounted on the frame 12 of the rotary cutting apparatus 1a is used to determine and adjust a position of the rotary cutter 14.

[0059] With reference to Figs. 3, 4a-4e, and 5a-5b, the cutting blade 3 of the rotary cutter 14 typically includes at least two cutting edges 3a inclined at an angle (X) relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In some examples, alternatively, the cutting blade 3 may only have a single centered cutting edge 3a instead of two side edges 3a. The created inclination of the cutting edges 3a at an angle (X) is to promote a bending of the cutting blade 3 of the rotary cutter 14 when the cutting blade 3 of the rotary cutter 14 is in contact with, and hits the rotary anvil 17 to cut the web of material. As shown Figs. 3 and 5a in some examples, the cutting blade 3 of the rotary cutter 14 may include a plurality of holes 3b configured to receive the tension springs 8, and the screws 1, while a bottom 3c of the cutting blade 3 rests on the blade plate 7.

[0060] With reference to Fig. 3, when the screws 1 are tightened on the rotary cutter 14, the cutting blade 3 is held in position due to a pinching pressure exerted by theconcerted action of the shaft 2, and the flange 5. In contrast, if the screws 1 are not tightened sufficiently, removed, or even untightened, then the cutting blade 3 is pushed above the bearer rings 4 outside the shaft 2 by the blade plate 7. To allow the blade plate 7 to move, a plurality of compression springs 9 are present below the blade plate 7, which compression springs 9 are guided by linear bearings 6, and mounted inside the blade plate 7 by for example pins 10. If the force applied on an edge of the cutting blade 3 is greater than the stiffness of the compression springs 9, then the cutting blade 3 is pushed back on the outside of the shaft 2. Further, a plurality of tension springs 8 are present mounted between the shaft 2 on one side, and the flange 5 on the other side. The tension exerted by the tension springs 8 must be strong enough to avoid the cutting blade 3 from disengaging, and detaching from the rotary cutter 14 when the rotary cutter 14 rotates slowly without the screws 1 tightened therein, and the force of the compression springs 9 is greater than the friction created by the flange 5.

[0061] Fig. 4a shows a front view of the rotary cutter 14 in accordance with the present subject matter. Fig. 4b shows a projected left view of Fig.4a, where the rotary cutter 14 of the rotary cutting apparatus 1a has a cross section A-A in accordance with the present subject matter showing the angle (X) relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. Fig. 4c shows a projected right view of Fig.4a, where the rotary cutter 14 of the rotary cutting apparatus 1a has a cross section B-B in accordance with the present subject matter showing the interaction of the tension springs 8 with the flange 5 on the rotary cutter 14. Fig. 4d shows a projected left view of Fig.4a, where the rotary cutter 14 of the rotary cutting apparatus 1a has a cross section C-C in accordance with the present subject matter showing the interaction of the screws 1 with the cutting blade 3 on the rotary cutter 14. Fig. 4e shows a projected right view of Fig.4a, where the rotary cutter 14 of the rotary cutting apparatus 1a has a cross section D-D in accordance with the present subject matter showing the interaction of the compression springs 9 with the pins 10, and the blade plate 7 on the rotary cutter 14.

[0062] With reference to Fig. 4b, the angle (X) may typically range from about 0° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In some examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 5° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotarycutter 14. In other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 10° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In still other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 15° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In yet other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 20° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In even other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 25° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In further other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 27° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In yet even other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 30° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In even further other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 35° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In some examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 40° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 45° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In still other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 50° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In yet other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 55° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In even other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 60° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In further other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 65° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In even other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 70° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In even further other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 75° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14. In additional further other examples, the angle (X) ranges from about 80° to about 85° relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14.

[0063] The angle (X) may also range from about 0° to about 5°, from about 0° to about 10°, from about 0° to about 15°, from about 0° to about 20°, from about 0° to about 25°, from about 0° to about 30°, from about 0° to about 35°, from about 0° to about 40°, from about 0° to about 45°, from about 0° to about 50°, from about 0° to about 55°, from about 0° to about 60°, from about 0° to about 65°, from about 0° to about 70°, from about 0° to about 75°, from about 0° to about 80°, from about 5° to about 10°, from about 10° toabout 15°, from about 15° to about 20°, from about 10° to about 20°, from about 20° to about 25°, from about 25° to about 30°, from about 30° to about 35°, from about 20° to about 30°, from about 20° to about 35°, from about 20° to about 40°, from about 20° to about 45°, from about 20° to about 50°, from about 20° to about 55°, from about 20° to about 60°, from about 20° to about 65°, from about 20° to about 70°, from about 20° to about 75°, from about 20° to about 80°, from about 25° to about 35°, from about 25° to about 40°, from about 25° to about 45°, from about 25° to about 50°, from about 25° to about 55°, from about 25° to about 60°, from about 25° to about 65°, from about 25° to about 70°, from about 25° to about 75°, from about 25° to about 80°, from about 30° to about 40°, from about 30° to about 45°, from about 30° to about 50°, from about 30° to about 55°, from about 30° to about 60°, from about 30° to about 65°, from about 30° to about 70°, from about 30° to about 75°, from about 30° to about 80°, from about 35° to about 40°, from about 40° to about 45°, from about 45° to about 50°, from about 35° to about 45°, from about 35° to about 50°, from about 40° to about 50°, from about 50° to about 55°, from about 55° to about 60°, from about 60° to about 65°, from about 50° to about 60°, from about 50° to about 65°, from about 55° to about 65°, from about 65° to about 70°, from about 70° to about 75°, from about 75° to about 80°, from about 65° to about 75°, from about 65° to about 80°, or from about 70° to about 80°, relative to the vertical axis 2a of the rotary cutter 14.

[0064] As seen in Fig. 1, although the position of the cutting unit 4a can be adjusted with respect to the frame 12, the feed direction of the web material is typically perpendicular to the cutting unit 4a. A web of material passes between the rotary cutter 14, and the rotary anvil 17, such that the web of material can be processed, and then cut by the concerted action of the contact established between the rotary anvil 17, and the cutting blade 3 of the rotary cutter 14 facilitated by the bearer rings 4.

[0065] The web of material may typically be a nonwoven material used in e.g., medical, hygiene or diaper products, or any other such equivalent products. The web of material is a continuous web that is cut in discrete pieces, or from which, a trim portion is removed. A rotary driving system, such as e.g., an electrical motor connected through the shaft 2 may typically be used to rotate the rotary cutter 14 about its vertical axis 2a(Figs. 4a-4e). As the rotary cutter 14 rotates about its vertical axis 2a shown in Figs. 4a- 4e, the web of material is fed between the rotary cutter 14, and the anvil 17. As shown in Figs. 1-2, the rotation of the rotary cutter 14 translates to a rotation of the anvil 17. A contact is established between the bearer rings 4 of the rotary cutter 14, and the surface of the anvil 17. This established contact ultimately results in the anvil 17 rotating facilitated by the contact friction that transfers the rotary cutter’s 14 rotation to the anvil 17. The rotary cutter 14, and the anvil 17 further have bearings 15, 16, 19, 20 attached on respectively each of both their ends, i.e. on the rotary cutter 14 drive side 15 and on the rotary cutter 14 operator side 20, and on the anvil 17 drive side 16 and on the anvil 17 operator side 19. However, it should be stressed that the particular type of material that is processed, and cut by the rotary cutting apparatus 1a is not limited to solely a web of material. Thus, any type of material that is equivalent, nearly equivalent, or nonequivalent to such a web of material that is not inconsistent, and incompatible with the principles disclosed herein, is considered to be covered by the objectives of the current subject matter.

[0066] As shown in Figs. 1-2, in some examples, the rotary cutter 14 may be positioned above the anvil 17. Alternatively, in other examples, the anvil 17 may be positioned above the rotary cutter 14.

[0067] A mechanical loading system 18 usually in the form of e.g., at least two pneumatic air cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or any other such equivalent mechanical loading system 18 for applying a force to the cutting edges 3a may be used in the construction of the rotary cutting apparatus 1a. In some examples, although shown as pushing on the anvil 17, and located below the anvil 17 in Figs. 1-2, 6b, and 7a-7b, alternatively in other examples the mechanical loading system 18 may instead act on the rotary cutter 14. In some examples, the mechanical loading system 18 may interact with the anvil 17 in a push configuration, while in other examples, the loading system 18 may interact with the anvil 17 in a pull configuration.

[0068] The rotary cutter 14, and the anvil 17 may typically be constructed from cemented carbide for providing improved reliability, strength, rigidity, hardness, fracturetoughness, and wear resistance. Cemented carbide, as used herein, is defined as constituting a carbide hard phase spanning a range of from about 70 wt. % to about 97 wt.% of the total cemented carbide weight, and a remaining balance of a binder phase. Tungsten carbide (WC) is the most common used carbide hard phase, while cobalt (Co) is the most prevalent binder phase, thus forming the structure WC-Co. These two materials form the basic cemented carbide structure. It should be appreciated that many other types of materials different from cemented carbides can be applied in the construction of the rotary cutter 14, and the anvil 17. Alternatively, in other examples, the rotary cutter 14, and the anvil 17 can be made partially, or totally from other materials like e.g. tool steel, or high-speed steel. These types of materials can be made by routinely known metallurgy, or powder metallurgy methods, which will be described hereafter.

[0069] A specifically targeted WC grain size of the cemented carbide composition can be obtained by subjecting the carbide hard phase powder, and the Co-based metallic binder phase powder mix to wet milling typically for several hours (e.g. 8, 16, 32, 64 hours) under ambient conditions (i.e. 25° C, 298.15 K and a pressure of 101.325 kPa in a ball mill, an attritor mill, or a planetary mill) to obtain a uniform powder blend. In some examples, instead of using a ball, an attritor mill, or a planetary mill as the physical blending apparatus, any other mixing method, which would be known by a skilled artisan in powder processing can be employed. Ultrasonic mixing may instead be the choice of the blending method. Thus, in this case, ultrasonic mixing uses sound energy to effectively process for example powders, pastes, liquids, and combinations thereof with a breakthrough speed, quality and repeatability. Powders of nearly any size, material characteristic, or morphology are rapidly and thoroughly mixed using for example an acoustic mixer. Acoustic processing is frequently orders of magnitude faster than traditional technologies. Here, the acoustic mixer may for example employ a 60Hz motion, which then causes each particle to randomly collide with adjacent particles, diverting their paths, colliding and then re-colliding with other particles behaving in equally chaotic fashion.

[0070] The main purpose of performing the wet milling is to facilitate a uniform, and an even Co-based metallic binder phase powder distribution, and a good wettability of thecarbide hard phase, and the Co metallic binder phase powder constituents. Subjecting the powder blend to wet milling is key to strengthening the physical integrity of the wet milled carbide hard phase powder, and the Co-based metallic binder phase powder. This is done to further deagglomerate the carbide hard phase powder, and the Co-based metallic binder phase powder. An acceptably uniform, and an even Co-based metallic binder phase powder distribution, and a good quality of wettability of the powder blend components are imperative to forming cemented carbides of stellar physical quality for making the rotary cutter 14, and the anvil 17. On the other hand, if the Co-based metallic binder phase powder distribution, and the wettability are of a bad quality, pores and cracks may undesirably emerge as a result of this in the final sintered body. This would be detrimental to the cemented carbide used for producing the rotary cutter 14, and the anvil 17.

[0071] As would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art, wet milling (i.e., blending) is made by first adding a milling liquid to the powder mixture to form a milling powder slurry composition. The milling liquid may suitably be water, an alcohol such as but not limited to ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, butanol, cyclohexanol, another organic solvent in the likes of for example acetone or toluene, an alcohol mixture, an alcohol and another solvent mixture, or like constituents. The properties of the milling powder slurry composition are dependent on, among other things, the amount of the milling liquid that is added. Because the drying of the milling powder slurry composition requires substantial amount of energy, the amount of the used milling liquid should be minimized to keep costs down. However, enough milling liquid needs to be added to achieve an easily pumpable milling powder slurry composition and avoid clogging of the blending system. Moreover, other compounds commonly known in the art to a skilled artisan can be added to the slurry composition e.g., dispersion agents, pH-adjusters, lubricants, and anti-flocculating agents. Non-limiting example of organic binder(s), such as e.g. polyethylene glycol (PEG), paraffin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), long chain fatty acids, wax, or any combinations thereof, or like components may be added to the milling powder slurry composition prior to wet milling typically from for example 15 vol. % and 25 vol. % (i.e., total volume % made up by each mentioned component), from about 17 vol. % toabout 25 vol. %, from about 20 vol. % to about 25 vol. %, from about 22 vol. % to about 25 vol. %, or from about 24 vol. % to about 25 vol. % based on the total volume of the formed slurry. This is done to facilitate the formation of a proper carbide hard phase, and a Co-based metallic binder phase powder blend during wet milling. Additionally, this is done to function as a pressing agent, and lastly to allow easy handling of the obtained green body in the following pressing / forming steps further described hereinafter.

[0072] The wet milled powder slurry composition can next be spray-dried, freeze- dried, air-dried, or vacuum-dried, and granulated to form free-flowing ready-to-press (RTP) powder most typically displaying a spherical shape, or substantially a spherical-like shape. As used herein, the term “free-flowing” refers to loosely packed cemented carbide powders that are exhibiting a pore space between each free-flowing carbide particle of the cemented carbide powder with no physical restrictions, or barriers created whatsoever, suppressing the free-flowing capability of the particles of the cemented carbide powder.

[0073] The ready-to-press (RTP) powder is next pressed / formed, or otherwise consolidated into a green body in the preparation for the sintering procedure. A green body is formed of the ready-to-press (RTP) powder by using conventional pressing / forming techniques in the powder metallurgy art, such as the following, but without limitation cold tool pressing technology including multi axial pressing (MAP), extruding, or metal injection molding (MIM), cold isostatic pressing (CIP, i.e. , pressure is applied in 3 directions or axis), pill pressing, additive manufacturing (AM), additive layer manufacturing (ALM), tape casting, and other pressing / forming methods generally known in the powder metallurgy art. Any pressing / forming consolidation method can in theory be utilized that is not inconsistent and incompatible with the objectives of the present subject matter. Pressing / forming yields a green density, and / or strength that permits easy handling, and green-machining, due to the processed material essentially being in the form of a compacted powder. In one example of the present disclosure, the forming is done by a pressing operation. Here, the pressing may be conducted by a uniaxial pressing consolidation operation at a force commonly used from 5 ton to 300 ton. Additionally, machining in the green body state may be required to obtain a desired, and particularly targeted green body shape.

[0074] The green body may be subjected to a pre-sintering temperature elevation procedure, to completely remove the organic binder(s) in a sintering furnace, which is also referred to as depegging or dewaxing of the organic binder(s) in the appropriate art.This may be done in the same sintering furnace when eventually conducting the sintering process further described hereinbelow. Suitable temperatures for the complete removal of the organic binder(s) may be employed starting from 150°C and ending at 450°C, starting from 150°C and ending at 500°C, starting from 150°C and ending at 550°C, starting from 200°C and ending at 600°C, starting from 250°C and ending at 450°C, starting from 250°C and ending at 500°C, starting from 250°C and ending at 550°C, starting from 250°C and ending at 600°C, starting from 300°C and ending at 450°C, starting from 300°C and ending at 500°C, starting from 300°C and ending at 550°C, or starting from 300°C and ending at 600°C. This may typically be performed in a reactiveH2 atmosphere with a hydrogen (H2) flow rate applied at about 1000 liters / hour to about 10000 liters / hour, applied at about 3000 liters / hour to about 10000 liters / hour, applied at about 6000 liters / hour to about 10000 liters / hour, or applied at about 9000 liters / hour to about 10000 liters / hour. The temperature may typically be increased constantly at a rate of for example about 0.70°C / min. In some examples, after the organic binder(s) removal, the temperature may be increased in tandem sequentially at a rate of about 2°C / min. shifted to about 10°C / min., when a certain temperature in an operated temperature range has been reached, or at a rate of about 2°C / min., changed to about 7°C / min., or at a rate of about 2°C / min., changed to about 5°C / min., again when a particular temperature in an operated temperature range has been reached. The aforementioned temperature ranges for the depegging or dewaxing (i.e., complete debinding of the organic binder) may generally be reached after heating the green body for about 60 minutes to about 90 minutes, or alternatively, for about 60 minutes to about 7 hours in the sintering furnace. Thus, in general, the particular type of heating-pattern chosen is determined and performed, and for the particular amount of time, in a manner, which confers and thereby imparts a desired complete dewaxed phase-transformation (i.e., 100% depegging of the green body). In general, the pre-sintering cycle for complete dewaxing of the organic binder(s) may be conducted in a reactive (H2) atmosphere, in vacuum, or in a non-reactive inert atmosphere e.g., nitrogen (N2) or argon (Ar).

[0075] Next, the pre-sintered fully debinded green body subsequently undergo a sintering consolidation process in a sintering furnace to ultimately form the sintered cemented carbide. As used herein, the term “consolidation process” is meant to either include any process that in combination compacts (i.e. , presses), and consolidates (i.e., densifies, thus sinters the material by a high temperature heating operation) the cemented carbide powder simultaneously, or densifies only by a high temperature heating operation as applied solely during vacuum sintering, which does not have any compaction / pressure happening during the vacuum sintering / consolidation operation.

[0076] The sintering consolidation process may be performed typically by using a pressure from 50 bar to 75 bar, from 50 bar to 80 bar, from 50 bar to 85 bar, from 50 bar to 90 bar, from 60 bar to 75 bar, from 60 bar to 80 bar, from 60 bar to 85 bar, from 60 bar to 90 bar, from 70 bar to 75 bar, from 70 bar to 80 bar, from 70 bar to 85 bar, or from 70 bar to 90 bar. Depending however on the composition, this pressure range might be lowered to a range from 35 bar to 60 bar at a temperature starting from 1200°C and ending at 1500°C, starting from 1200°C and ending at 1600°C, starting from 1200°C and ending at 1700°C, starting from 1200°C and ending at 1800°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1500°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1600°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1700°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1800°C, starting from 1500°C and ending at 1600°C, starting from 1500°C and ending at 1700°C, or starting from 1500°C and ending at 1800°C. A dwell-time may be introduced employed at a maximum temperature in an operated temperature range, which may typically range from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes. Alternatively, the dwell time may be introduced at the maximum temperature in the applied temperature range and at a specific pressure range, which may typically be from 20 minutes to 60 minutes, from 25 minutes to 60 minutes, from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, from 35 minutes to 60 minutes, from 40 minutes to 60 minutes, from 45 minutes to 60 minutes, from 50 minutes to 60 minutes, or from 55 minutes to 60 minutes. In the conducted sintering operation, the particular sintering temperature range is chosen, in a manner, which will result in a sufficient melting of the Co-based metallic binder phase. During this process, the Co metallic binder phase will eventually enter the liquid stage due to melting, while the carbide grains, having a muchhigher melting point, will remain in a solid stage. At the particularly adopted maximum sintering temperature in an applied operated temperature range, the Co-based metallic binder, and the carbide grains will form a eutectic liquid phase, where the carbide grains are positioned, and subsequently coated with the melted Co metallic binder. As a result of this coating process, the melted Co-based metallic binder is anchoring, and thereby cementing the carbide grains. Thus, this forms a cemented carbide composite displaying a Co-based metallic binder matrix with its distinct material properties. The temperature may typically be elevated constantly at a rate of for example about 0.70°C / min. In some examples, the temperature may be increased in tandem sequentially at a rate of about 2°C / min., switched to about 10°C / min., when a certain particular temperature in an operated temperature range has been reached, or for instance at a rate of about 2°C / min. , changed to about 7°C / min., or at a rate of about 2°C / min., switched to about 5°C / min., again when a certain particular temperature in an operated temperature range has been reached. After having performed the dwell-time employed at the maximum temperature in an operated temperature range, a cooling procedure may be performed typically via conducting a first temperature drop characterized by a drop rate of about 50°C / min., generally for about 3 minutes, 4 minutes to 5 minutes, or for 6 minutes. Next, all heating energy may be terminated, and dissipated via a rapid temperature drop, by way of ideally using coolants to eventually an ambient temperature of about 25°C.

[0077] The pre-sintered green body may alternatively be subjected to vacuumsintering in a non-reactive inert atmosphere supplied with e.g., argon (Ar), or nitrogen (N2) at a minuscule pressure typically ranging from 10’2millibar (mbar) to 10’4millibar (mbar). During vacuum-sintering, the pre-sintered green body is placed in a vacuum-furnace, and sintered at a temperature starting from 1200°C and ending at 1500°C, starting from 1200°C and ending at 1600°C, starting from 1200°C and ending at 1700°C, starting from 1200°C and ending at 1800°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1500°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1600°C, or starting from 1400°C and ending at 1700°C. A dwell- time may be introduced employed at a maximum temperature in an operated temperature range, which may typically be from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes. Alternatively, the dwell time may be introduced at the maximum temperature in the applied temperaturerange and at the specific pressure range, which may typically be from 20 minutes to 60 minutes, from 25 minutes to 60 minutes, from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, from 35 minutes to 60 minutes, from 40 minutes to 60 minutes, from 45 minutes to 60 minutes, from 50 minutes to 60 minutes, or from 55 minutes to 60 minutes.

[0078] For example, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) may also be performed on the cemented carbide powder, or alternatively, as an extra post consolidation step performed sequentially on an already vacuum-sintered cemented carbide. HIP is a relatively slow process, and compacting is isostatic, i.e., pressure is applied in 3 directions or axis. Heating is performed at the same time by elements that are integrated in the press. Thus, HIP subjects the cemented carbide powder simultaneously to both an elevated temperature, and isostatic gas pressure in, for example, a high pressure containment vessel. The pressurizing gas that is used may, for example, be argon. An inert gas such as argon is most typically used, so that the material undergoing HIP, does not chemically react. The chamber is heated, causing the pressure inside the vessel to increase. The pressure is applied to the cemented carbide powder from all 3 directions. The inert argon gas may be applied typically from about 7,350 psi (about 50.7 MPa) to about 45,000 psi (about 310 MPa), with about 14,500 psi (about 100 MPa) generally being the most typical applied pressure, or alternatively from about 800 bar (80 MPa) to about 1200 bar (120 MPa).

[0079] Thus, in this case, cemented carbide powder will be pressed to form a green body, and will typically then be vacuum sintered in a non-reactive inert argon, or N2 rich atmosphere at a minuscule pressure typically ranging from 10’2millibar (mbar) to 10’4millibar (mbar). Next, the vacuum sintered cemented carbide may undergo an additional sequential post vacuum sintering HIP-treatment step from typically 30 minutes to about 60 minutes, thus yielding a high-pressure sinter-HIP process. This additional HIP-step fulfils the significant purpose of eliminating the presence of any potential porosity that may still be present in the vacuum sintered cemented carbide. The applied temperature may, for example, range starting from 1300°C and ending at 1500°C, starting from 1300°C and ending at 1600°C, starting from 1300°C and ending at 1700°C, starting from 1300°C and ending at 1800°C, starting from 1300°C and ending at 1900°C, starting from 1300°C andending at 2000°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1500°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1600°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1700°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1800°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 1900°C, starting from 1400°C and ending at 2000°C, starting from 1500°C and ending at 1600°C, starting from 1500°C and ending at 1700°C, starting from 1500°C and ending at 1800°C, starting from 1500°C and ending at 1900°C, or starting from 1500°C and ending at 2000°C, with an applied pressure typically ranging from about 7,350 psi (about 50.7 MPa) to about 45,000 psi (about 310 MPa), with about 14,500 psi (about 100 MPa) generally being the most typical applied pressure, or alternatively from about from about 800 bar (80 MPa) to about 900 bar (90 MPa), from about 800 bar (80 MPa) to about 1000 bar (100 MPa), from about 800 bar (80 MPa) to about 1100 bar (110 MPa), 800 bar (80 MPa) to about 1200 bar (120 MPa), from about 900 bar (90 MPa) to about 1000 bar (100 MPa), from about 900 bar (90 MPa) to about 1100 bar (110 MPa), from about 900 bar (90 MPa) to about 1200 bar (120 MPa), from about 1000 bar (100 MPa) to about 1100 bar (110 MPa), from about 1000 bar (100 MPa) to about 1200 bar (120 MPa), or from about 1100 bar (110 MPa) to about 1200 bar (120 MPa).

[0080] One of the main advantages of the current subject matter is that it offers a fast, and an accurate cutting blade 3 change, which can typically be performed in just a matter of few minutes. When a cutting edge(s) 3a of the cutting blade 3 is worn out, or even damaged, the cutting blade 3 may simply be flipped, or may alternatively be replaced by a new cutting blade 3. With reference to Figs. 2-3 and Fig. 7b, in one example a flange handle 13 located on the frame 12 of the rotary cutting apparatus 1a is used to push on the end of the screws 1 when they are untightened, such that the force of the tension springs 8 can be released, and so that the cutting blade 3 can be changed. In other alternative examples, the flange handle 13 may equally be designed to be placed directly on the flange 5 itself, such that the force of the tension springs 8 is released by instead pulling on the flange 5.

[0081] T o change the cutting blade 3, the following steps are sequentially executed.The rotary cutter 14, which is connected to the electrical line motor through the shaft 2 must be freely rotating to change the cutting blade 3. A pressure set in a manometer 11of the rotary cutting apparatus 1a shown in Figs. 1-2, 6a, 6c, and 7a must be high enough to establish a contact between the cutter’s bearer rings 4, and the anvil 17. Thus, to change the cutting blade 3, first the screws 1 are untightened, which screws 1, are used for keeping the cutting blade 3 in a stable position inside the cutter 14 (i.e. below the bearer rings 4 without traversing the diameter of the bearer rings 4 as shown in Fig. 8a). Once the screws 1 are untightened, the cutting blade 3 will be loose, and the cutting blade 3 will move outside the cutter 14 relative to the bearer rings 4 (i.e. above the bearer rings 4, and traversing the diameter of the bearer rings 4 as shown in Fig. 8b) due to the compression springs 9 pushing on the blade plate 7 as shown in Fig. 3. Next the rotary cutter 14 is rotated up to a certain point, where the cutting blade 3 becomes accessible. This is followed by pushing against the flange 5 with the flange handle 13 as shown in Figs. 2 and 7b, in order to free the cutting blade 3. The cutting blade 3 is then removed, and switched with a new cutting blade 3, while pushing with the flange handle 13 against the flange 5 as shown in Figs. 2 and 7b. The cutting edge 3a of the new cutting blade 3 is now in a cutting position, but the cutting edge 3a is not optimally positioned. The flange handle 13 is thereafter removed, so that the new cutting blade 3 is pinched between the shaft 2, and the flange 5 due to the tension exerted by the tension springs 8 as shown in Fig. 3 A position indicator 21, which has an arrow shape, is next attached onto the shaft 2, where the position indicator 21 fittingly mates with the end-receiving portion of the shaft 2 as demonstrated in Figs. 1, 6c and 9, and thereby creates a snugly fit with the endreceiving portion of the shaft 2. A person having ordinary skill in the art would know that an attachment of the position indicator 21 onto the end-receiving portion of the shaft 2 may typically be done by using e.g. pins and screws 1 as seen Figs. 1-2. Next, the cutter 14 is rotated until the arrow on the position indicator 21 is in a vertical alignment position with an angular rule 22 as seen in Figs. 1 and 6c. Ideally, an optimal position is a position vertically pointed by a reference position indicator 23 on the angular rule 22 as shown in Fig. 6c. Due to the contact established with the anvil 17, the cutting blade 3 will therefore move back inside the cutter 14 relative to the bearer rings 4 (i.e. below the bearer rings 4 without traversing the diameter of the bearer rings 4 as shown in Fig. 8a), and the cutter 14 will thus form an optimal alignment with the anvil’s 17 surface. Finally, the screws 1are tightened to fix the newly inserted cutting blade 3 into position inside the cutter 14, the position indicator 21 detached from the shaft 2, and the line is run.

[0082] Now with reference to Fig. 8a, this figure shows a projected view of the cutting blade 3, and its position relative to the anvil 17, and the bearer rings 4 in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. Fig. 8b further shows a projected view of the cutting blade 3, and its position relative to the anvil 17, and the bearer rings 4 in accordance with yet another example of the current subject matter. As seen in Fig. 8a, an optimal position of the cutting blade 3 is achieved when the cutting edge 3a is as close to the diameter of the bearer rings 4 as possible (i.e. below the bearer rings 4 without traversing the diameter of the bearer rings 4). In contrast to Fig. 8a, as shown in Fig. 8b, when the cutting edge 3a of the cutting blade 3 is above, and traverses the diameter of the bearer rings 4, this is characterized as being a non-favorable position. When the cutting blade 3, being in a non-favorable position, comes into contact with the anvil’s 17 surface due to rotation during the cutting process, the pressure created by the contact formed between the cutting blade 3 and the anvil’s 17 surface will move the cutting blade 3 back to the good optimal position. To have the cutting edge 3a of the cutting blade 3 as close as possible to the diameter of the bearer rings 4, the position indicator 21 should be set in a vertical alignment position with the angular rule 22 (i.e., thus 0° on the angular rule 22) as shown in Fig. 6c. Depending on the angle of the setting on the angular rule 22, the distance between the cutting edge 3a of the cutting blade 3, and the bearer rings 4 will change. In contrast, if the position indicator 21 is not in an optimal vertical alignment setting with the angular rule 22 (i.e., thus not 0° on the angular rule 22) as shown in Fig. 9, the cutting edge 3a will then traverse the bearer rings 4, and will be above the diameter of the bearer rings 4. This will lead to the non-favorable position of the cutting edge 3a of the cutting blade 3 with respect to the diameter of the bearer rings 4 as shown in Fig. 8b. Again when the cutting blade 3, being in the non-favorable position, comes into contact with the anvil’s 17 surface, the pressure formed by the contact created between the cutting blade 3 and the anvil’s 17 surface will push the cutting blade 3 back to the good optimal position.

[0083] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with examples thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions not specifically described may be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0084] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”, such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other, such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and / or physically interacting components, and / or wirelessly interactable, and / or wirelessly interacting components, and / or logically interacting, and / or logically interactable components.

[0085] In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configured by,” “configurable to,” “operable / operative to,” “adapted / adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable / conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms (e.g., “configured to”) can generally encompass activestate components and / or inactive-state components and / or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise.

[0086] While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from thesubject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.).

[0087] It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0088] In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0089] Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “ a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone,B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “ a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0090] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing specific exemplary processes and / or devices and / or technologies are representative of more general processes and / or devices and / or technologies taught elsewhere herein, such as in the claims filed herewith and / or elsewhere in the present application.

[0092] While various aspects and examples have been disclosed herein, other aspects and examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and examples disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0093] The illustrative examples described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other examples may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

[0094] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges which can independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

[0095] One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described components (e.g., operations), devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components (e.g., operations), devices, and objects should not be taken as limiting.

[0096] Additionally, for example any sequence(s) and / or temporal order of sequence of the system and method that are described herein this disclosure are illustrative and should not be interpreted as being restrictive in nature. Accordingly, it should be understood that the process steps may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, but they are not necessarily limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order. For example, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders, while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0097] Finally, the discussed application publications and / or patents herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the described disclosure. Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the described disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A rotary cutting apparatus for cutting a web of material, comprising: a frame; a cutting unit movably disposed within the frame, the cutting unit, comprising a rotary cutter rotatably disposed in the cutting unit, the rotary cutter having a vertical axis, a shaft, a cutting blade mounted on a surface of the shaft, a blade plate mounted on compression springs guided by linear bearings for pushing the cutting blade outside the shaft, bearer rings to facilitate a contact between a rotary anvil and the rotary cutter to cut the web of material, and a flange mounted on tension springs, such that the cutting blade can be changed; and an angular rule mounted on the frame to determine and adjust a position of the rotary cutter.

2. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cutting blade of the rotary cutter comprises cutting edges inclined at an angle (X) relative to the vertical axis of the rotary cutter to promote a bending of the cutting blade of the rotary cutter when the cutting blade of the rotary cutter is in contact with the anvil to cut the web of material.

3. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the angle (X) ranges from about 0° to about 85°.

4. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 3, wherein the angle (X) ranges from about 20° to about 85°.

5. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the angle (X) ranges from about 50° to about 85°.

6. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a manometer configured to supply pressure to facilitate a contact between the bearer rings and the anvil.

7. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising pneumatic cylinders configured to apply a load to the anvil.

8. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising hydraulic cylinders configured to apply a load to the anvil.

9. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cutting blade of the rotary cutter comprises a plurality of open holes configured to receive the tension springs and screws while a bottom of the cutting blade rests on the blade plate.

10. The rotary cutting apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a flange handle to switch the cutting blade.

11. A method for cutting a web of material by using a rotary cutting apparatus, comprising a frame; a cutting unit movably disposed within the frame, the cutting unit, comprising a rotary cutter rotatably disposed in the cutting unit, the rotary cutter having a vertical axis, a shaft, a cutting blade mounted on a surface of the shaft, a blade plate mounted on compression springs guided by linear bearings for pushing the cutting blade outside the shaft, bearer rings to facilitate a contact between a rotary anvil and the rotary cutter to cut the web of material, and a flange mounted on tension springs, such that the cutting blade can be changed; and an angular rule mounted on the frame to determine and adjust a position of the rotary cutter, the method comprising: rotating the rotary cutter, and the rotary anvil to cut the web of material.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the cutting blade of the rotary cutter comprises cutting edges inclined at an angle (X) relative to the vertical axis of the rotary cutter to promote a bending of the cutting blade of the rotary cutter when the cutting blade of the rotary cutter is in contact with the anvil to cut the web of material.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the angle (X) ranges from about 0° to about 85°.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the angle (X) ranges from about 20° to about 85°.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the angle (X) ranges from about 50° to about 85°.

16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the cutting blade of the rotary cutter comprises a plurality of open holes configured to receive the tension springs and screws while a bottom of the cutting blade rests on the blade plate.

17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the rotary cutting apparatus comprises pneumatic cylinders configured to apply a load to the anvil.

18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the rotary cutting apparatus comprises hydraulic cylinders configured to apply a load to the anvil.

19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the rotary cutting apparatus comprises a flange handle to switch the cutting blade.

20. The method of claim 11 , wherein the rotary cutting apparatus comprises a manometer configured to supply pressure to facilitate a contact between the bearer rings and the anvil.

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