Abstract: A strap tensioning device that uses ratchet means to wind up and secure a tension strap in a tensioned condition for securing loads for hauling or transport. The device is adapted to be moveable along the length of a tension strap prior to tensioning the strap and includes a slotted member having a guide slot through which the strap is threaded for facilitating movement of the device along the strap and to prevent the device from cocking or twisting away from the device when the device is actuated to tension the strap. A slidable hook for a tensioning strap is also provided for use with the tensioning device. The hook includes a guide clip that provides for a receiving slot through which the strap is also threaded. The receiving slot maintains the strap in alignment with the guide slot.

Abstract: A dielectric D-ring of the type having a hook receiving opening at one end and a strap or cable receiving opening at the other. The dielectric D-ring comprises a D-ring blank encased within a dielectric injection molded plastic shell. The blank has a plurality of plastic receiving holes therethrough that receive plastic when the dielectric plastic shell is injection molded about the blank. The plastic filled holes assist in holding together the portions of the plastic shell situated on opposite sides of the blank.

Abstract: A closure system and method of making a closure system for a disposable article. A substantially continuous closure system web is provided. One face of the web is provided with first fastening region at terminal end portion(s) of the web. A second fastening region, engagable with the first fastening region, is provided on a second face of the web in a region adjacent the terminal end portion(s). The closure system tab elements are cut from the web and attached to a second web, used in producing the disposable article, at longitudinally spaced locations. This second web is then cut at transverse cut lines separating the closure system tab element into two functional elements. A first functional element has a fastening tab portion and the second functional element has an attachment portion, The attachment portion of one closure system tab element interacts with a fastening tab portion of an adjacent closure system tab element to form a functional closure system on a disposable article made using the second web.

Abstract: A hook for suspending from a support, such as a rod or wire, a retractable roof covering such as that used for greenhouses, comprises a generally C-shaped body including a pin for engaging the covering, a cavity for retaining the rod or wire, an opening for the cavity, and a means for locking the pin opposite of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reversely openable bottom end stop, wherein the bottom end stop can be easily held and smooth reverse opening or bottom end stop operation can be carried out. An upward opening type or a both-way opening type of slide fastener can be supplied in immediate response to demand.

Abstract: A device for shearing fibers from fabrics comprising a housing and a pair of shearing machines disposed therein. Each shearing machine having a case and a pair of blades, an outer blade and an inner blade secured onto the case. Each blade having a row of spaced teeth. The blades are being operably connected to a motor which moves one or both blades laterally, side to side, in a reciprocating manner to produce a cutting effect on any fibers which come between the teeth. The pair of shearing machines being in a position opposed to one another at a predetermined angle to allow the outer blades of the shearing machines to be substantially coplanar and to allow the teeth of each shearing machine to be aligned adjacent one another. The device further including a vacuum means for suction of cut fabrics and for drawing fabric in between the teeth of the blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting soft hand to a non-woven, paper, paper with synthetic fibers and/or additives, printed knit fabrics and the like in web form, by mechanically introducing localized tensions on diverse preselected situses of the web. The web is preferably advanced in continuous rubbing engagement with one or more contact members that can be pairs of nip rollers and/or breaker bars. Nip roller pairs include one irregularly surfaced roller deformably engaging into a soft roller with the web passing therebetween. Breaker bars can have straight, serrated or curvilinear edges and the web can be passed over or under the breaker bars. Various combinations of nip roller pairs and breaker bars are provided for and preferably a variable drive can be employed.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for changing the needle boards (3) of a needling machine, comprising a mounting guide (4) for the needle boards (3) to be coupled to each other in a tension-proof way on both sides of the needle bars disposed one behind the other in direction of the working width of the needling machine, to which needle bars the needle boards (3) are replaceably fixed, comprising a feeding guide (2) for the needle boards (3) in extension of the mounting guide (4) on one side of the needling machine, and comprising a step conveyor (5) associated to the feeding guide (2), which step conveyor has engageable and disengageable carriers for the needle boards (3). To create advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the carriers of the step conveyor (5) constitute centering pins (9) which engage in centering bushes (10) of the needle boards (3).

Abstract: Method for warping with a cone sectional warper that winds up the threads (10) in bands on a sectional warping drum (11), in which a support (12) for a thread guide comb is displaced parallel to the warping drum (11) by a forward feed drive, corresponding to the increasing thickness of the wind and predetermined warping data, with the first band being sensed during a measurement phase by a roll (15) under contact pressure and with the sensed displacement travel being recorded as a function of the number of rotations of the warping drum (11), and with the roll being drawn back and pressing on the wind lap after the measurement phase upon further winding in accordance with a mean value obtained during the measurement phase.

Abstract: A device is designed to automate the process of stripping residual yarn from a yarn tube. The device comprises a feeding mechanism, an index dial, a residual yarn removing mechanism, a compression mechanism, and an arranging mechanism. The automated device enhances the recycling quality of the stripped residual yarn and minimizes the likelihood that the yarn tube is damaged in the stripping process.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag is made with printed antenna coil integrated on a flexible substrate, and an integrated circuit area of the substrate adjacent the antenna coil for carrying circuit elements. The radio frequency identification tag is designed to be sufficiently robust to withstand the rigors of mail efficiency processing measurement applications.

Abstract: In the present invention, in cutting the top and bottom surfaces of a hot-rolled sheet by the rotation of milling cutters holding the sheet therebetween in the thickness direction of the sheet in the running process of the hot-rolled sheet, the cutting resistance determined by the cutting conditions including the type of hot-rolled sheet, the temperature in cutting, and the cut depth is controlled by the adjustment of cut depth, and cutting is performed by making the tension produced on the hot-rolled sheet by the cutting resistance lower than the breaking strength of the joint portion to prevent the breakage of hot-rolled sheet.

Abstract: A welding electrode dressing device in particular in automated welding stations comprises an electrode treatment head (11, 111) equipped with upsetting members (15, 115) which reshape the tip of an electrode inserted in it without removing material. Advantageously the treatment head (11, 111) comprises two treatment seats (19, 119) arranged on opposite sides thereof to each receive the end (12) of a pair of welding gun electrodes.

Abstract: A cover installation apparatus installs continuous lengths of flashover protection covers around energized electrical power lines. The apparatus includes a cover assembly housing that takes a flat, extruded length of material and forms the material into a closed circular shape surrounding a power line. The cover assembly housing includes opposite first and second ends, with an inlet port in the first end and an outlet port in the second end. An interior passageway extends along a longitudinal direction from the inlet port to the outlet port and is configured to receive the power line therethrough. The interior passageway also provides a path for the flexible panel to follow from an uninstalled configuration to an installed configuration surrounding the power line.

Abstract: An improved, angled head, tubing disconnect tool is described designed for de-coupling annular tubing telescoping around connecting to connection nipples jutting from planar wall surfaces in narrow confined spaces.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated disc brake piston installation tool is disclosed for use in installing a piston into the piston bore of a disc brake caliper housing. The tool comprises a first piston engaging plate and a second plate positionable against the inside surface of an outer shoe bracket of the caliper housing. A cylinder extends from the second plate. A piston shaft is centrally attached to the first plate and extends perpendicularly therefrom, passing slidably through an opening in the second plate into the cylinder. In response to pneumatic pressure, the piston shaft is pushed outwardly against the piston to force the piston back into the piston bore of the caliper housing.

Abstract: An improved cobalt-base braze alloy composition and method for diffusion brazing are provided for use in repairing superalloy articles, such as gas turbine engines, power generation turbines, refinery equipment, and heat exchangers. The improved cobalt-base braze alloy composition includes nickel; at least one element selected from the group of rhenium, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, and iridium; at least one element selected from the group of boron and silicon; and the remaining balance consists of cobalt. This composition may also include aluminum and/or one or more rare earth/lanthanide series elements, and the composition may be combined with one or more powdered base metal superalloy compositions to form an improved diffusion braze alloy mixture. In the improved method for repairing superalloy articles, the foregoing mixture is applied to a region of the superalloy article to be repaired.

Abstract: Nylon reinforced or polyester reinforced fire hose is secured to a coupling or shank by heating the fire hose to at least 270° F. with a wrap-around electric heating apparatus. The heating apparatus heats the fire hose for the period of time necessary to shrink fit the fire hose to the coupling or shank. Shrink fitting the fire hose to the coupling eliminates pinching of the fire hose and prevents leakage.

Abstract: A method for making an 8-shaped hole in a bimetallic sleeve, including the steps of preparing two bimetallic tubes, each tube having substantially the same dimension; and also preparing a rear sleeve part, and a front sleeve part; fixing each tube with a plurality of clamping blocks having openings on one side; moving each clamped bimetal tube to a thread cut machine, adjusting the spindle of the thread cut machine to move parallel to the openings on one side of the clamping blocks, and then cutting the clamped tube to form a tube of C-shaped cross section; detaching said tube of C-shaped cross section from said plurality of clamping blocks, and clamping two of said tube of C-shaped cross section together with two fixtures having an 8-shaped cross section; applying spot welding at joints of said two tubes of C-shaped cross section for 6-8 spots to form an 8-shaped hole bushing, and then detaching said two fixtures of 8-shaped cross section; heating the rear sleeve part in a heating furnace for 3-5 hours to re

Abstract: A method of producing a spiral wound gasket for sealing fluid such as a liquid including water and oil, and a gaseous body including vapor and gas and a device for producing the spiral wound gasket. The tip portion of a hoop material is cut and raised thereby forming a checking stepped-portion. The checking stepped-portion is caught by a checking pawl, so as to wind the hoop material around a core drum. After winding the hoop material around the outer periphery of the core drum, at least once, the checking pawl is retracted from the outer periphery of the core drum, thereby separating the checking pawl from the checking stepped-portion. The spiral wound gasket produced by the present invention exhibits an excellent sealing property. Moreover, it also has an excellent durability.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with rods and connective links that engage one another so as to resist lateral and rotational movement about the rods during conveyor operation. The links are affixed on the rods by resistance welding the rod to the link apertures. In addition to the resistance weld, the rods include diametrically enlarged protrusions or swells that are placed proximate the link apertures to constrain the links from lateral movement on the rod. At the ends of the rod, this protrusion is in the form of an upset or button head. Alternative embodiments also include rotational constraints of the links relative to the rod. The additional fixation steps such as manual welding used in conventional belt manufacture are thus eliminated. By affixing the links and rods together in the manner disclosed, repeated movements of the link legs relative to the rods are eliminated thereby significantly reducing the chances of fatigue failure of the links.

Abstract: A retention ring (1) is applied to a disc rotor assembly (3) which comprises a plurality of substantially equiangularly spaced magnets (7). The ring is expanded by driving it over a tapered mandrel (13) onto a rim (5) of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: Superconductor tapes are annealed under uniaxial pressure, such a compressive annealing yielding significant improvement in the resultant critical current density. This thermomechanical processing technique obtains improved critical currents with fewer processing steps.

Abstract: In this method of manufacturing magnetic head elements, the width of the ELG elements can be narrower and the number of magnetic head elements manufactured can be increased. The method includes the steps of: lapping a bar-shaped member in which magnetic head element sections and ELG elements are alternately formed; monitoring resistance of the ELG elements; and removing the ELG elements so as to divide the bar-shaped member into a plurality of the magnetic head element sections. A lead layer of each ELG element is connected to the nearest inner lead layer of the adjacent magnetic head element section, and a connecting pad is connected to a pad for monitoring the ELG element. Terminal pillars in the lead layers act as a common terminal pillar of the magnetic head element section and the ELG element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film magnetic head including a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, a gap layer, and a thin film coil consisting of one or more thin film coil layers.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrical contact is provided. A base layer having a conductive member is provided. An intermediate layer is formed over at least the conductive member. A photoresist layer is formed and patterned over at least a portion of the intermediate layer to define a contact patterning region above the conductive member. An amount of overlay between the contact patterning region and the conductive member is measured. A size of a contact opening is determined based on the amount of overlay. The contact opening of the determined size is formed in the intermediate layer. The contact opening communicates with the conductive member.

Abstract: A machine for forming an inverted U-shaped folded fin with an aspect ratio of H/W includes a stationary frame, a locating device, a folding tool carrier and successive first, second and third folding tools. The carrier is horizontally and reciprocally mounted on the frame. The three folding tools are drivably carried by the carrier, each tool with a width substantially equal to W including an upper clamping block and a lower clamping block respectively for fixing a metal strip during formation of the heat dissipating fin. The first and second tools and the second and third tools are respectively spaced from each other at a distance substantially equal to H when the machine is at an original position. The locating device is also drivably mounted on the frame for fixing the horizontal metal strip relative to the frame when the three folding tools do not clamp the strip.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elongate stack of interlocked laminae in a die assembly. The method includes the steps of stamping a first lamina having generally opposed first and second edges in the strip stock material, stamping at least one first interlock means for engaging another lamina in the first lamina, separating the first lamina from the strip stock material, placing the first lamina into the choke passageway, the first and second edges of the first lamina frictionally engaging the choke passageway, stamping a second lamina having first and second elongate edges in the strip stock material, stamping at least one second interlock means for engaging another lamina in the second lamina, at least partially engaging the first and second interlocking means, separating the second lamina from the strip stock material, placing the second lamina into the choke passageway, and frictionally engaging the choke passageway along the first and second elongate edges of only one of the first and second laminae.

Abstract: In an electronic component placing apparatus, four magazines are mounted on a head, and yet electronic components are housed in each magazine. In this apparatus, by an operation of selectively inserting a suction nozzle into four insertion openings in the magazines, it is possible to load a desired electronic component on a substrate, and this component loading can be repeatedly performed until the housed components are exhausted.

Abstract: An apparatus having a base for automatically opening interdigitated tab fingers formed on a hang strip. The base includes an item advancement station and an item attachment station is disposed at an edge of the base. A supply of hang strip material is provided at a base edge opposite the item attachment station. The hang strip supply is mounted to the base and is fed through the advancement station and across and through a tab retainer that maintains at least one of the interdigitated tab fingers open until the tab station is guided to the item attachment edge of the base. At the item attachment edge, perpendicular transversal of a corner or edge of the base causes one set of the interdigitated fingers to open, while at least one interdigitated tab finger opened at the item advancement station clears the back edge of the retainer.

Abstract: A method for mounting components using mounting heads for which a plurality of suction or mounting operating positions are set for suction nozzles in a state where the mounting head is at rest in a component supply position or component mounting position, it being possible to select any of these operating positions, comprising a first step of selecting a component supply position or component mounting position such that the amount of movement of component feeder holding components to be mounted, or the amount of movement of the substrate to the mounting position for the next component to be mounted becomes a minimum, and moving the component feeder or substrate accordingly; and a second step of selecting a suction nozzle position corresponding to the component suction position or component mounting position in the first step, whilst the mounting head is moving towards the component suction position.

Abstract: A wire-wound component to be mounted on a printed circuit board. The wire-wound component is formed by winding a wire on the body of the wire-wound component and by winding both end portions of the wire on terminals. The terminals and the body of the wire-wound component are formed as one unit by molding a heat-resistant resin material. The molded terminals, on which both end portions of the wire are wound, are inserted into the printed circuit board, and then connected to a circuit pattern on the printed circuit board by soldering.

Abstract: A strap spring for insertion into a circuit board for securing a heat sink to an electronic device is disclosed that has a body portion having two ends and a contact section and one or more engaging sections extending from said ends. The ends are inserted into an aperture in the circuit board and an aperture in the heat sink to anchor the circuit board to the heat sink. Electronic assemblies comprising a circuit board having a microprocessor and a heat sink having a surface larger than the microprocessor are also disclosed in which a strap spring is disposed on a side of the circuit board opposite the heat sink, and the strap extends through the circuit board to engage the heat sink.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating coated multiple metal substrates comprising the steps of fabricating from a section of metal a gang matrix comprising a frame, at least one piece of base metal which later forms a substrate, and a connective portion connecting or linking the piece to the frame. The connective portion includes a notched portion or break-out zone. A coating of resist or mask material is applied in the immediate proximity of the notched portion and then a layer of dielectric coating material is applied to the carrier gang. The resist serves to prevent the deposition of the dielectric coating material in the proximity of the notched portion. After coating, the carrier gang is fired in order to cure the dielectric material. The piece of base metal may be further processed, for example, screen printed with thick or think film inks. When required, the piece of base metal can be easily removed or separated from the frame by bending and/or twisting.

Abstract: A method for producing printed wiring boards comprises the steps of perforating through holes at predetermined positions in an adhesive insulator sheet, filling the through holes with a conductive material such as a conductive paste or metal balls, transferring conductive wiring patterns that have been formed on surfaces of releasable supporting sheets onto the surfaces of the adhesive insulator sheet by heat and pressure. Simultaneously, interlayer via-connections are performed by means of the conductive material filled into the through holes.

Abstract: A method provides for additive plating on a subcomposite having filled plated through holes. Fine-line circuitry is achieved via electroless deposition onto a dielectric substrate after the through hole is plated and filled. Fine-line circuitry may be routed over landless, plated through holes thereby increasing the aspect ratio and the available surface area for additional components and wiring.

Abstract: A wire harness is made up of a plurality of partial harnesses. Each of the partial harnesses is arranged such that opposite end portions of a plurality of electric wires having terminals at ends thereof are retained in advance in U-shapes with predetermined intervals provided so as to correspond to a plurality of connectors into which the terminals are inserted, by a plurality of wire clamps juxtaposed at equal pitches on a wire clamping bar. The terminals at the ends of the plurality of electric wires in each of the partial harnesses are inserted into terminal accommodating chambers of predetermined connectors selected from the plurality of connectors, thereby aggregating the partial harnesses into a combined unit.

Abstract: A wire connecting structure of a connector comprises a connector housing, a terminal holding portion protruding from an end of the connector housing, terminal incorporating holes which are provided in the terminal holding portion and communicate with the connector housing, terminals disposed within the terminal incorporating holes, covered wires placed on the terminals, and upper hole wall portions which are provided in the terminal holding portion to define upper portions of the terminal incorporating holes and when pressed, subside into the terminal incorporating holes so as to contact the covered wires, core elements of the covered wire and the terminal being subjected to ultrasonic vibration through the upper hole wall portion which is pressed so as to contact the covered wire, so that the core elements and the terminal are conductively contacted with each other, the upper hole wall portion being settled by fusion in each of the terminal incorporating holes by the ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: A method of repairing a cylinder head of a water cooled internal combustion engine that has damage to the boundary wall between a cooling water passage and the combustion chamber. According to the method. the boundary wall B located between a cooling water passage and a combustion chamber and including a crack is cut away from a cylinder head until the cut reaches a depth of one half the cross section of the cooling water passage. Then, a half-pipe portion. having a semicircular cross section that is equal in size to one-half the cross section of the cooling water passage is fixed in the cylinder head from which the boundary wall B has been removed such that an inner surface of the half-pipe may serve to form a cooling water passage after repair. With the use of the above method, the repair operation is completed easily with a low cost because the boundary wall B has only to be cut away to a shallow depth.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump is disclosed which provides for greatly improved accuracy in the delivery of medicaments to a patient. Among the various features included in the instant invention is a pumping body which serves to deform and reform a tube so as to maintain the initial cross-section thereof and thereby preserve the output accuracy of the pump. Also disclosed with regard to the pumping body is a wholly mechanical synchronization of the pumping body and valves associated therewith and coactive with the aforementioned synchronization a mechanical linearization of output of the pumping body per each pumping cycle. Additionally, several features which serve to enhance the utility of the instant invention are also included therein among which is an associated assembly operative to automatically load or disload a tube or IV set into or out of the pumping body.

Abstract: A hermetic compressor assembly having a housing having disposed therein an electric motor including a stator and a rotor drivingly attached to a crankshaft having an eccentric portion, and a compression mechanism operatively coupled to the crankshaft eccentric portion. A counterweight is attached to the crankshaft and is made of progressively stamped metal stock material having selectively varying widths between first and second side edges thereof. The counterweight has one of a plurality of weights, each individual weight directly corresponding to a different stock material width. Also, a method for manufacturing compressors having installed therein counterweights of different weights and having substantially identical axial projection profiles, wherein the counterweights are made by a method which includes providing a progressive stamping die, and planar metal stock material having one of a plurality of different widths between first and second opposite side edges.

Abstract: A hermetic rotary compressor assembly having a housing, a cylinder block and a bearing assembly within the housing. The cylinder block and the bearing assembly define a cylindrical cavity which has a roller piston disposed therein. The rotary compressor assembly includes a motor drivingly coupled to the roller piston and the cylinder block has a vane slot extending completely axially through and extending radially from an outside perimeter surface of the cylinder block to the cylindrical cavity. At least a portion of the vane slot is defined by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls and a vane is disposed in and guided by the vane slot and is urged against said roller piston. The cylinder block is fixed in a state of circumferentially oriented stress.

Abstract: A valve stem has a thickness of hardfaced material on its outer diameter in the area contacting the stem packing where the seal is formed which prevents corrosion, erosion and/or scratching of the valve stem, thereby preventing formation of leak paths.

Abstract: A method for identifying and repairing indications open to the surface of a turbine component, such as cracks or other tight crevices that may develop during turbine engine operation. The process includes cleaning the component of debris, dirt or other foreign material that may otherwise mask the presence of the indications. This is followed by applying a fluorescent penetrant to the surface of the component. Without removing the penetrant, the article is visually inspected under normal lighting conditions and repair alloy is applied as needed to areas requiring repair. Next, the article is inspected under an ultraviolet light, at which time very tight indications not otherwise detectable by the unaided eye are identified as areas requiring repair and repair alloy is applied to these additional areas, by an automatic and/or manual process. Without removing the penetrant, the article is then heated to an elevated temperature sufficient to liquify at least a portion of the repair alloy to accomplish the repair.

Abstract: A method for replacing cracked core spray supply piping in a boiling water reactor vessel includes removal of all or part of the core spray supply piping inside the reactor vessel and replacement of the piping with new piping components configured to couple with one another or any remaining core spray supply piping without being welded. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a lower elbow of the core spray supply piping is removed and replaced with an elbow assembly configured to mechanically couple with an existing feed-through assembly at the core shroud, for example by use of friction fit, bias members, and/or bolts. A vertical section of the core spray supply piping feeding into the elbow can also be removed and replaced with a new piping section configured to mechanically couple with the replacement lower elbow assembly, for example using pins, clamps and sealing members such as piston rings.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit and the method of its manufacture including a base plate with heat dissipating protrusions extending therefrom which are formed by plastic deformation. One or more long holes extend through the base plate to receive heat pipes in conductive contact. The long hole is formed during the extrusion of billets from which the units are formed. Mandrels are placed in the long holes through the billets and the heat exchange unit is formed therefrom. The mandrel is then extracted and replaced by a heat pipe. Further deformation of the base plate around the inserted heat pipe can insure intimate contact for heat conduction between components.

Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle includes a crank arm body having a pedal attachment hole on a first end thereof and a spindle attachment hole on a second end thereof. The crank arm body defines an elongated interior cavity surrounded by a shell, wherein the interior cavity is open to an exterior of the crank arm body. The opening can be used to access the cavity during and after manufacturing. The shape of the cavity may be varied to produce a lightweight yet strong structure. In the method used to form the crank arm body, a mold core formed by a shell containing a sand-like filler material is positioned into a casting mold so that a melt space is formed around the mold core, molten metal is poured into the casting mold, and the molten metal is solidified to form a crank billet. The filler material may be removed through an opening in the crank billet.

Abstract: Air which would otherwise be entrapped in an O-ring seal groove in a hydrodynamic bearing arrangement is removable from the seal groove by providing at least one passage between the seal groove and an adjacent thrust plate recess. The air is removed from the seal groove though the passages by drawing a vacuum at a lower end of the bearing arrangement. Preferably, the passages are formed, at least in part, by grooves defined in the upper surface of a land formed between the seal groove and the thrust plate recess.

Abstract: A safety knife comprises a handle, a main blade mounted on the handle with a pointed end part of the cutting edge of the blade projecting from the handle at an obtuse angle, and a guard mounted on the handle to shield the projecting portion of the blade. The guard comprises a further blade which is mounted on the handle in generally the same plane as the main blade and has a concavely curved cutting edge which extends around the projecting point of the main blade. The outer edge of the guard blade is unsharpened so that the guard blade protects and shields the point of the main blade as well as contributing to the cutting action of the knife.

Abstract: A cutting tool for removing encapsulant surrounding a fiber optic cable splice includes a rotating cutting head, with the head coupled through a vacuum tube to a collection bag. The cutting head preferably includes alternating rows of cutting blades and brushes, where the brushes function to direct the debris from the cutting head into the vacuum tube.