Patent ID: 6212984
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B26D,B31D,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for die-cutting irregular-shaped blanks from a web, the apparatus comprising:a male die cylinder having a series of die cavities positioned along its outer circumference, each die cavity defined by a cutting edge that forms the shape of the blank to be die-cut from the web, each die cavity including a resilient pad positioned within the die cavity to contact the blank as the blank is die-cut from the web; anda plurality of radial vacuum ports formed in the male die cylinder, each vacuum port extending between one of the die cavities and a source of vacuum in the interior of the cylinder such that the source of vacuum holds the blanks in contact with the resilient pad positioned within the die cavity formed on the male die cylinder after the blanks are die-cut from the web, wherein each die cavity includes a plurality of vacuum ports that extend through the resilient pad positioned in the die cavity.