Method and Apparatus for Positioning a Cutting Apparatus

A rotary cutting apparatus having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the rotary cutting apparatus comprising:

• a frame movable in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction;
• a cutting roll rotatably connected with the frame;
• a first stationary member located adjacent to the frame;
• and
• a second stationary member connected with the frame,
• wherein in the first mode of operation, the first stationary member prevents movement of the frame in the first direction and the second stationary member prevents movement of the frame in the second direction,
• wherein in the second mode of operation, the second stationary member allows movement of the frame in the second direction.

A method for positioning a cutting apparatus comprising a frame movable in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction, the cutting apparatus further comprising a cutting roll rotatably connected with the frame, an anvil roll rotatably connected with the frame, a first stationary member adapted to prevent movement of the frame in the first direction, and a second stationary member connected with the frame, the second stationary member has a first configuration that prevents movement of the frame in the second direction, and a second configuration that allows movement of the frame in the second direction, the method comprising the steps of:

• setting the second stationary member in the first configuration;
• advancing a continuous substrate in a machine direction between the cutting roll and the anvil roll;
• sensing a defective operating condition wherein the continuous substrate is advancing between the cutting roll and the anvil roll without being cut;
• switching the second stationary member to the second configuration upon sensing the defective operating condition;
• and
• moving the frame in the second direction.