Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
186 words
A cutting wheel for cutting continuous filamentary tow comprising: first and second plates, said plates being rotatable about a common axis and being mutually spaced in the axial direction to define a space therebetween, said second plate including a ring-shaped section defining a central tow exit opening, an annular row of cutter blades extending between said first plate and said ring-shaped section of said second plate, said blades having radially outwardly facing cutting edges such that as filamentary tow is wrapped around said row of blades and pushed thereagainst, the tow is cut by said cutting edges and passes between said blades, a plurality of connector arms securing together said first and second plates, each connector arm defining a clearance inwardly of said blades to accommodate free inward travel of tow cut by said blades, each connector arm including: a first segment extending from said ring-shaped section of the second plate away from the plane of said second plate in a direction opposite said first plate, and a second segment extending in a direction toward said first plate and disposed radially inwardly of said ring-shaped section.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
186 words
A cutting wheel for cutting continuous filamentary tow comprising: first and second plates, said plates being rotatable about a common axis and being mutually spaced in the axial direction to define a space therebetween, said second plate including a ring-shaped section defining a central tow exit opening, an annular row of cutter blades extending between said first plate and said ring-shaped section of said second plate, said blades having radially outwardly facing cutting edges such that as filamentary tow is wrapped around said row of blades and pushed thereagainst, the tow is cut by said cutting edges and passes between said blades, a plurality of connector arms securing together said first and second plates, each connector arm defining a clearance inwardly of said blades to accommodate free inward travel of tow cut by said blades, each connector arm including: a first segment extending from said ring-shaped section of the second plate away from the plane of said second plate in a direction opposite said first plate, and a second segment extending in a direction toward said first plate and disposed radially inwardly of said ring-shaped section.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A cutting wheel according to claim 1, wherein said second segment extends to said first plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cutting wheel according to claim 2, wherein said connector arms are generally continuously curved from one said plate to the other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A cutting wheel according to claim 1, wherein said second segment of said connecting arm is spaced from said annular row of blades by at least the length of said blade.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
A cutting wheel according to claim 1, including an annular member concentric with said ring-shaped section of the second plate and spaced radially inwardly therefrom, said second segment connected to said annular element, a plurality of posts connected to said first plate and said ring annular member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A cutting wheel according to claim 1 wherein said blades are spaced no greater than 1/2 inch apart.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cutting wheel according to claim 1, wherein said first and second plates are horizontally disposed, said first plate overlying said second plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
202 words
A cutting wheel for cutting continuous filamentary tow comprising: upper and lower plates, said plates being rotatable about a common axis and being mutually spaced in the axial direction to define a space therebetween, said lower plate being ring-shaped and defining a central tow exit opening, a plurality of cutting blades extending between said plates in directions parallel to said axis, said blades having radially outwardly facing cutting edges and being arranged in an annular row so that when filamentary tow is wrapped around and pushed through said row of blades as the wheel rotates, the tow is cut by said cutting edges and the cut tow enters said space, and a plurality of connector arms interconnecting said upper and lower plates, each arm defining a clearance inwardly of said blades to accommodate free inward travel of tow cut by said blades, each connector arm including: a first segment extending downwardly from said ring-shaped lower plate away from the plane of said lower plate, and a second segment extending upwardly to said upper plate in a direction having axial and radial outward components, said second segment disposed radially inwardly of said ring-shaped lower plate by at least the length of said blade.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
202 words
A cutting wheel for cutting continuous filamentary tow comprising: upper and lower plates, said plates being rotatable about a common axis and being mutually spaced in the axial direction to define a space therebetween, said lower plate being ring-shaped and defining a central tow exit opening, a plurality of cutting blades extending between said plates in directions parallel to said axis, said blades having radially outwardly facing cutting edges and being arranged in an annular row so that when filamentary tow is wrapped around and pushed through said row of blades as the wheel rotates, the tow is cut by said cutting edges and the cut tow enters said space, and a plurality of connector arms interconnecting said upper and lower plates, each arm defining a clearance inwardly of said blades to accommodate free inward travel of tow cut by said blades, each connector arm including: a first segment extending downwardly from said ring-shaped lower plate away from the plane of said lower plate, and a second segment extending upwardly to said upper plate in a direction having axial and radial outward components, said second segment disposed radially inwardly of said ring-shaped lower plate by at least the length of said blade.