Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for formation of tubular segments from a generally continuous tube of material by internally cutting the tube of material. The apparatus of the present invention includes a forming mandrel upon which the tube of material to be cut is carried, and upon which the tube is preferably spirally wound. The apparatus further includes a rotary cutter assembly mounted within the forming mandrel. The cutter assembly includes a cutter arbor and a blade actuating rod, with one or more cutting blades of the cutter assembly operatively associated with the actuating rod and the arbor such that relative axial movement of the actuating rod and the cutter arbor moves the cutting blades inwardly and outwardly of the forming mandrel of the apparatus. A cam mechanism is provided for effecting this desired relative axial movement. Significantly, the present apparatus facilitates very high speed formation of tubular segments by axially moving the cutting blades of the cutter assembly in the direction of advancement of the tube of material along the forming mandrel during internal cutting of the tube by the cutting blades.

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First Claim