Importance

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Abstract

Cutting apparatus and methods are provided for cutting and trimming of flat materials, the invention incorporating an optical guide means for positioning of the flat material in a desired orientation. A laser device is positioned on a cutter to project a visual indication of the line of cut to be made by the cutting blade, and optionally along other lines such as to show a border or margin. Means are provided to power the laser device, and an optical element is provided to focus an emitted beam onto the cutter base, and any material placed thereon. Additionally the cutter includes a switching means for turning the laser device on and off. The switch can be mounted anywhere on the base or the cutting assembly. The cutter includes a cutting base for supporting the materials to be cut, a cutting blade assembly, and assistive cutting means such as a bottom blade on one edge of the base or a pad cooperating with the cutting blade to cut the flat material. The cutting blade can be of any type including, but not limited to, a guillotine blade and a rotary blade.

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First Claim