20090038451 | METHOD FOR MONITORING CUTTING BLADE FUNCTIONALITY - The present invention provides a method for monitoring the functionality of the contour cutting blade by cutting at least a portion of the top sheet, which is connected to the reservoir of sheet material, along a separation line with the cutting blade so as to at least partially separate the stack portion of sheet material from the reservoir of sheet material. The separation line, therefore, defines the trailing edge of the stack portion of the sheet and a leading edge of the reservoir of sheet material. Checking the functionality of the cutting blade is achieved by retracting the leading edge of the reservoir from the trailing edge of the stack portion. The ability to perform this retracting step is considered as indication that the cutting blade is functioning properly. Likewise, the inability to perform this retracting step is considered as indication that the cutting blade has malfunctioned and an appropriate resolution is required. | 02-12-2009 |