Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rolling a metal band in a continuous line installation with coupling of the pickling and cold rolling processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a narrow, tightly radiused annular anti-peaking bead in a can end in a multi-station conversion press. In a first forming station, a metal blank is first drawn into a cup shaped blank having a side panel and then reformed by reversing the action of the drawing tooling so as to fold the side panel into an initial, relatively broad annular bead. The initially beaded can end is then transferred to a second forming station where its periphery is pre-curled and the annular bead is reworked so as to reduce its width and radii of curvature. The reworking of the bead is performed by free drawing a tool over the inner wall of the bead without drawing or bending the interior surface of the bead around a tool so as to avoid cracking or excessive thinning of the metal. The seaming panel of the can end is firmly clamped during the reworking to maintain control over the location of the bead.

Abstract: A die system for full enclosed die forging with an enclosed cavity (1a, 2a) is formed between an upper die (1) attached to the side of a slide (6) and a lower die (2) mounted to the side of a bolster (17). A workpiece stock (7) disposed in the cavity is pressurized to be diverted with an upper counter-punch (8) in the upper die and a lower counter-punch (22) in the lower die and is thereby forged within the confines of the cavity. A pressure means (11, 19) is disposed above the upper die (1) and/or below the lower die (2) for applying pressure to at least one of the upper and lower dies (1, 2) from at least one of their upper and lower sides to act to enclose or close the cavity (1a, 2a) unilaterally or bilaterally.

Abstract: A valve positioner system that includes one or more unique control methods and devices, including several routines to facilitate the continuous maintenance, calibration and adjustment requirements of the valve. The positioner system may utilize pressure and position feedback signals to monitor the valve. The positioner system may utilize an external controller for various diagnostic and other routines. The positioner system can provide automatic positioning and can operate in a manual operating mode or an automatic operating mode. The positioner system can diagnose the valve while the valve process is running or during a maintenance operation. The positioner system can provide nonlinear control of the valve position. The positioner system can self-tune and self-characterize the valve to assure uniform position control. The positioner system can provide valve control through pressure feedback when a position feedback fails or other diagnosed problems.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that measures dirt density on steel plates, characterized by including a pulsed laser that impinges on the inspected plate, and a microphone that detects the sound produced by the sudden ablation of the dirt, the amplitude of the microphone signal being the measure of the dirt on the plate. The microphone is connected to an electronic signal processing system, which is a computer or a programmed digital processor that determines the average value and standard deviation of the signal over the number of hits specified by the operator.

Abstract: A method and device for testing containers, the method calling for a different in pressure to be generated between the pressure inside the container and the pressure immediately surrounding the container, the behavior of one of these pressures permitting the gas tightness of the container to be assessed. A pressure value is stored and subsequently compared with one of the pressures, the stored pressure value being stored electronically and compared with at least one value of the output signal from a pressure sensor. The container is housed in an enclosure which is connected to a pressure or suction line, and a pressure-value storage unit, a comparator unit and a pressure sensor are associated with the pressure or suction line.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the viscosity of a fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing a supply of the fluid and a member. The member is positionable within the vessel for displacement within the fluid. The apparatus also includes a measuring mechanism connected to the member and operably associated with the vessel for measuring the force required to displace the member within the fluid. The measuring mechanism is adapted to measure the force required to displace the member within the fluid. The force is indicative of the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. The described methods, systems, and devices have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting corrosion in elongate conductive members. The importance of the present invention is that it utilizes the full electromagnetic wave field equations that oppose the traditional approach to electromagnetics, they are quasi-static dealing with a diffusion field. The inclusion of this propagation term in the development of the present invention completely separates the present techniques from those of Spies and Lara, as well as others. Surface corrosion on pipe changes the electromagnetic physical properties of pipe where the corrosion exists. Electromagnetic waves propagating through a pipe will be affected by these localized changes in the electromagnetic physical properties of the pipe. Electromagnetic pulses are created that cause electromagnetic waves to propagate from a first location to a second location on the pipe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow velocity measuring method using a transit time difference of continuous sine waves without transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic pulse comprises steps of amplitude-modulating a continuous ultrasonic sine wave carrier into a lower frequency and transiting the amplitude-modulated signal, whenever the ultrasonic transit time is measured; demodulating the amplitude-modulated signal; detecting or discriminating the amplitude-modulated signal from the demodulated signal and measuring a time interval from the moment that the ultrasonic sine wave is amplitude-modulated till the amplitude-modulated signal is demodulated.

Abstract: A process to prevent a vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, from overturning while negotiating a curve recognizes the potential for overturning, and automatically activates a preventive braking process. In addition, the automatic braking process is terminated in a timely fashion to avoid overbraking the vehicle. This is accomplished by subjecting at least one wheel on the inside of the curve to a relatively weak braking force during the automatic braking process, and by adjusting the braking parameters in accordance with the vehicle's response characteristics.

Abstract: A throttle unit formed in a part of an inlet-side bypass passage which is rectangular in transverse cross section is formed on both side walls from a throttle start end to a throttle terminal end relative to an air flow direction. Support members are provided in a throttle outlet side space of the throttle terminal end and at a position which is hidden behind a convex throttling surface as viewed from the inlet side of the throttle unit. As the flow of air in the inlet-side bypass passage does not contact directly with the support members, turbulence of air is less likely to occur. Thus, an air flow amount signal is produced in the rectified air flow. The variation in the output of a thermal sensing unit can be reduced, because the flow amount is detected under a condition where the turbulence of air is less likely to occur over a wide range from a small air flow amount area to a large air flow amount area.

Abstract: Upward variations of a molten metal level in a container for melting metallic material shall be carried out by detecting variations of a liquid level inside a detector connected to a gas-pipeline, wherein a rise in the pipeline pressure causes the liquid level to move down. Communication is established by means of a gas-pipeline 13 for inert gas between that portion of a container for melting metallic material which is above a molten metal surface 15a and that portion of a detector 16 comprising a transparent tubular container 18 which is above a liquid surface 17a. Variations of the liquid level 17a inside the detector 16 due to a rise in the pressure inside the above-mentioned gas-pipeline 13 are detected as upward variations of the level of the molten metal surface.

Abstract: A capacitive fill level measurement device with a fill level sensor having a plurality of sensor fields, electrical wires for electrically connecting the plurality of sensor fields to a multipole side of a selector switch, and a power supply and evaluation circuit electrically connected to a monopole side of the selector switch. The capacitive fill level measurement device can be made with simple production technology and thus economically for a host of different applications using a matrix of printed conductors which extend vertically and horizontally such that each horizontally extending printed conductor on one side is connected to one sensor field and on the other side connected to a vertically extending printed conductor. Each horizontally extending printed conductor is connected with a respective vertically extending printed conductor to form an electrical line or a part of an electrical line.

Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a pair of interdigital electrodes disposed on an insulating substrate and defining a gap therebetween, an undercoat layer of silane compound lying on the gap-defining electrodes and substrate, and a humidity sensitive thin film lying thereon. The humidity sensitive thin film is formed of a crosslinked product of a conductive polymer having ethylenically unsaturated groups, and physically bound to the undercoat layer through an interpenetrating polymer network. The sensor is fully resistant to water so that it ensures stable operation over a long time even in a dew condensing atmosphere. The sensor is free of hysteresis and able to measure humidity over a very wide range.

Abstract: A vibrator includes: a vibrating body; a driving unit for causing the vibrating body to vibrate in a predetermined vibrating direction; and a driving monitoring unit for detecting vibration displacement in a driving direction of the vibrating body. Stabilization of vibration in the driving direction of the vibrating body is achieved by applying positive feedback control to the driving unit based on the state of the vibration displacement in the driving direction of the vibrating body detected by this driving monitoring unit. The driving monitoring unit is constructed and arranged so as to be provided in a barycentric region of the vibrating body to detect the vibration displacement in the driving direction of the barycentric region of the vibrating body.

Abstract: The present invention aims to present an angular velocity sensor having a self diagnosis function.

Abstract: A permanent magnet rotary accelerometer comprising: a cylindrical magnetic return path formed out of magnetic permeable material; an electrically conductive cup with an axis for rotation there around, the cup surrounding the magnetic return path; one or more sets of permanent magnets having opposite magnetic polarity, surrounding the cup, for a producing magnetic field through the cup into the magnetic return path, thereby inducing eddy currents inside the cup when rotating in the magnetic field; a stator core formed out of magnetic permeable material surrounding the cup and nonrotatable relative thereto, the stator core comprising at least two pick up members and a stator core return path therein, wherein the pick up members and the stator core return path are formed from at least one continuous piece of magnetic permeable material; and one or more pickup coils disposed on the pickup members of the stator core for sensing changes in a secondary magnetic filed generated by the eddy currents in the cup.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring a bearing arrangement, having at least one bearing, in a housing of a roller journal bearing of a roller in a continuous casting installation are designed to initiate upkeep or repair work on the bearing arrangement at the correct time. The method involves measuring a value of a process quantity at the bearing or in an area adjoining the bearing, providing an evaluation device with the measured value of the process quantity, comparing the measured value with a stored preset value, and triggering a signal as soon as the measured value exceeds or falls below the stored preset value.

Abstract: A crack-type fatigue detecting sensor comprises: a foil substrate having a first surface and a second surface fixed to a member to be tested; and a foil fracture piece having a slit formed in a central portion between opposite end portions in a longitudinal direction thereof such that the slit extends from one side portion toward the other side portion in a width direction thereof perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the opposite end portions of the fracture piece are respectively fixed to the first surface of the substrate and a portion including the central portion having the slit has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the opposite end portions over a whole width.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical tester uses an inflatable membrane to apply hoop stress to a hollow cylindrical sample. The compact device includes a frame that holds a sample around the inflatable membrane. The membrane is preferably inflated via fluid pressure and the fluid pressure preferably is monitored to determined pressure at critical points in testing procedures. Pressures of fluids within the membrane are also monitored. In a preferred structure, a piston and cylinder pressure injector operatively connected to the membrane is monitored for amount of piston travel and a pressure meter monitors fluid pressure. The preferred structure includes shaped opposing platens to seal the membrane within a cylinder sample being tested, a post failure restraint cylinder, and a cooling fluid bath.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow velocity measuring method comprises a phase difference flow velocity measuring method irrelevant to the change of the sound velocity, if a flow velocity is measured based on a phase difference method without transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic pulse in a river, an open sluice channel or a pile having a large inner diameter, including amplitude-modulating at least one continuous ultrasonic sine waves of a carrier frequench ƒC into signals of an amplitude-modulated frequench ƒM, if at least one phase difference &Dgr;&phgr;C transited and received in directions similar and contrary to the flow velocity is equal to n&pgr;+a&pgr;, obtaining n&pgr;, using the signal of the amplitude-modulation ƒM; and measuring a part of a&pgr;<&pgr;, obtaining the phase difference between the signals of the carrier frequench ƒC and obtaining the total phase differences &Dgr;&phgr;C precisely.

Abstract: A method and device for use with a hydraulic system is adapted to measure a position, velocity and/or acceleration of a piston of a hydraulic actuator based upon differential pressure measurement. The device of the present invention utilizes a differential pressure flow sensor to establish a flow rate of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator, from which the position, velocity and acceleration of the piston can be determined.

Abstract: This sensor (10) generates accurate measuring results, for example with an error in the order of 0.5% of the measuring value, hat has mimimized production costs as well as a shorter overall length compared to that of conventional sensors. The sensor has two parallel V shaped measuring tubes (1, 2) each being of one-piece construction. Each tube has a straight inlet portion (11, 21), a straight outlet portion (12, 22), an inlet bend (13, 23) connected with the inlet portion, an outlet bend (14, 24) connected with the outlet portion, a straight tube portion (15, 25) connected with the inlet bend, a straight tube portion (16, 26) connected with the outlet bend, and a vertex bend (17, 27) connected with the first and second straight tube portions. The inlet portions (11, 21) are fixed in an inlet manifold (18) and the outlet portions in an outlet manifold (19); the manifolds (18, 19) are mounted in a support frame (30) which forms part of a housing (3).

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of: measuring torque of a whole of a driving unit over a predetermined period; and determining mechanical driving characteristics of the driving unit from the time variation of the measured torque value. An apparatus adapted for the method, comprising: a torque sensor 12 removably mounted to a driving unit 10 having a disk rotating mechanism including a storage medium disk 1, and a storage information track tracking mechanism including a read head 2 provided for reading storage information from the storage medium disk 1; and an evaluation processing unit (ES) having a ROM for storing an operation program to process a torque detection signal, a RAM for temporarily storing data of the torque detection signal and processing signals, a processing portion, a display/recording unit, and a switching unit for sending a measurement start/stop instruction signal to an electronic control unit (DT) for supplying a driving current to a motor 6 of the disk rotating mechanism.

Abstract: A weight sensing system is provided for use with a seat disposed within an occupant compartment of the vehicle. The weight sensing system includes a sensing mechanism positioned on a seat frame of the seat for measuring a strain on the seat frame due to a seated occupant weight.

Abstract: The invention discloses a flow proportional fluid sampler. A turbine pump unit has a pump that is powered by the fluid flow of the test site, such as a stream, thereby eliminating the need for outside power for the pump and proportioning the volume of sample taken to the flow velocity. The invention also incorporates a simple pulse counter that monitor's the revolutions of the turbine propeller and can be used to measure velocity. The invention also provides a collection and distribution unit that can collect and store numerous samples in a small, light-weight container.

Abstract: An automatic system for illuminating, inspecting and measuring stents and other precision cut tubes and components made of a: a linear array electronic camera with a lens, a light source to provide necessary illumination to create an image on said linear array camera, mandrel onto which the tube is mounted during inspection, a rotary stage for rotating the mandrel, and a computer based electronic imaging system that creates a line-by-line image of stent as it rotates under said camera.

Abstract: A ring-like lubricant supply device 6 is fitted into a recess 4 of a nut member 2. The lubricant supply device 6 contains a lubricant and is formed in an outer peripheral surface with notches 7. Tubular members 8 each having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the notch 7 are inserted into the notches, pushing and widening the notches 7 in a circumferential direction. One end of the tubular member 8 is fitted into a recess 9b of a retaining ring 9 and the retaining ring 9 is fixed to a nut member 2.

Abstract: A control device for a semiautomatic gearshift mechanism of a vehicle has a first actuator for moving a gearshift shaft for gutter selection in a first shaft movement direction. A second actuator moves the gearshift shaft for gear selection in a second shaft movement direction. The first actuator has a primary piston and at least two auxiliary pistons for moving the primary piston alternatingly in two travel directions. The primary piston has a piston body having first and second piston body end faces facing away from one another. The primary piston has first and second piston rods, wherein the first piston rod is connected to the first piston body end face and the second piston rod is connected to the second piston body end face, wherein the first and second piston rods project away form the first and second piston body end faces and extend in the travel directions.

Abstract: A transmission system including an automatic transmission having a plurality of speed change modes, including at least a continuously variable speed change mode and a steeping speed change mode, and a sub-transmission connected to the automatic transmission. The sub-transmission is capable of switching to one of a plurality of running ranges including at least a forward range, a neutral range, and a reverse range. The transmission system also includes a mode switch for selectively switching to one of the plurality of speed change modes of the automatic transmission, and a shift switch for switching from one speed change stage to another speed change when the stepping speed change mode is active. Functionality of the shift and the mode switch are collectively integrated into a common switch is selectively used as the shift switch or the mode switch.

Abstract: A shift-assisting device for a transmission comprising a drive means for operating a shifting mechanism in the same direction as the direction in which a speed-change lever is shifted, said shifting mechanism being coupled to said speed-change lever to operate a synchronizing mechanism of the transmission, wherein said drive means is a rotary solenoid.

Abstract: There is provided rolling element spacers that are used in a rolling guide device having an endless circulation path of balls and that are arranged to alternate with a multiplicity of balls and circulated in the endless circulation path along with the balls. They are constituted by a disc-shaped inner member having a pair of ball holding seats on which the balls slide in contact therewith and an annular outer member covering an outer circumferential surface of the inner member, and the outer member and inner member are molded from resin materials having different flexural modulo.

Abstract: There is provided a shift lever device which comprises a shift lever which allows selection of an arbitrary shift range by shift operation and also comprises supporting means which rotatably supports the shift lever and is broken due to axial impact force applied to the shift lever. Accordingly, when axial impact force (strong force) is applied to the shift lever, the supporting means is broken. The breakage of the supporting means allows absorption of the impact force applied to the shift lever. Namely, in the shift lever device of the present invention, the impact force applied to the shift lever is absorbed due to the breakage of the supporting means. For this reason, an absorbing ability to the impact force is improved as compared with a conventional shift lever device.

Abstract: An operating apparatus for an automatic transmission, comprises: a select lever connected to the automatic transmission end; a first rotation supporting point provided at a middle position of the select lever and supporting the select lever in such a manner as to freely rotate; a second rotation supporting point provided at a position apart from the first rotation supporting point in the select lever at a predetermined distance; an operating lever rotatably connected to the select lever through the second rotation supporting point; a positioned member provided at a predetermined position in the operating lever; and a positioning member for determining a position of the positioned member to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a motor vehicle which acts to preclude inadvertent unlatching of the door in response to a side impact. Several embodiments of the inventions are disclosed. Each embodiment includes a damper in the form of a vane/piston assembly positioned within a cylinder with fluid trapped between the vane assembly and the cylinder. In response to a side impact scenario generating inertial forces tending to inadvertently move the door handle in an unlatching direction, the vanes or piston coact with the cylinder and with the trapped fluid to resist such opening movement of the handle. In each of the several disclosed embodiments the axis of relative movement of the damper elements is incongruent with respect to the axis of movement of the handle whereby to address packaging problems that are peculiar to certain vehicle door environments.

Abstract: A method for producing reduced iron comprises agglomerating a raw material mixture containing a carbonaceous reducing agent and an iron oxide-containing material into small agglomerates, heating the agglomerate within a heat reduction furnace, thereby solid reducing the iron oxide in the agglomerate to produce solid reduced iron, or further heating the solid reduced iron, melting the metallic iron produced by the reduction, and coagulating the molten metallic iron while separating the slag component contained in the small agglomerates to provide granular metallic iron, which is characterized by using a agglomerate having a particle size of 10 mm or less or 3-7 mm, preferably less than 6 mm, more preferably 3 mm or more and less than 6 mm as the small agglomerates.

Abstract: A flap pull tool used in conjunction with a separate closure in fastening containers having a pair of upper entry-exit flaps and at least one lower entry-exit flap. The closure includes an upper member, a lower member and a connector disposed between and attached to both the lower and upper member. In use the closure's connector is positioned between the container's closed upper flaps. The flap pull tool comprises an elongated arm having at one end a handle for gripping and at an opposite end a catch means for engaging a portion of the container's lower flap and lifting the lower flap against the closed upper flaps, at which point a portion of the closure's lower member is inserted beneath the lower flap. The lower flap is then released onto the lower member and the connector is moved against the edge of the lower flap, which is sufficient to fasten the container.

Abstract: A driver implement for a multipurpose tool has an elongated stud with opposite beveled corner portions for fitting closely in a square driver hole of a socket type tool with the stud extending diagonally in the driver hole.

Abstract: A method for cuffing or hard turning the surface of a workpiece comprising using a cutting tool in which a cooling fluid is supplied to the cutting area by means of at least one jet nozzle. The cooling fluid is supplied as a jet with high pressure leaving the jet nozzle with a pressure above 60 bar.

Abstract: A multi-spindle CNC lathe comprises a frame assembly mounted on a base and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces. A plurality of spindles each includes a collet for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism positions the spindles in alignment worth with stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Internal tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of one of the subframes each comprise a servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis. External tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of the other subframe each comprise a first servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool toward and away from the work station axis and a second servo mechanism for selectively moving the cutting tool back and forth along a path extending parallel to the work station axis.

Abstract: A cutting device for trimming margins of products includes a transport device and a first drive for driving the transport device, a stroke device for moving knives for performing the trimming of the margins, and a second drive for driving the stroke device, the first drive and the second drive being embodied as separate, mutually independent drives, and both of the drives being connected to one another via a control system; a method of trimming margins of products; and a gatherer-stitcher including the cutting device.

Abstract: A cutter system for cutting a single ply or multiple plies of limp material, or a lay, into a plurality of parts includes a cutter table for supporting the lay with a cutter head for cutting the lay into parts. The cutter system also includes a pair of overlay pinch mechanisms for preventing an overlay material, placed atop of the lay, from being displaced during transitioning of the lay from the cutter table onto a take-off table. Each overlay pinch mechanism includes a bracket for securing the overlay pinch mechanism onto the take-off table and a loaded clamp attaching onto the bracket. The clamp has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, a wheel, pivotably secured to the damp, engages the overlay material to prevent displacement thereof during transitioning of the lay from the cutter table onto the take-off table.

Abstract: A cutter system for cutting a single ply or multiple plies of limp material, or a lay, into a plurality of parts includes a cutter table for supporting the lay with a cutter head for cutting the lay into parts. The cutter system also includes a pair of overlay pinch mechanisms for preventing an overlay material, placed atop of the lay, from being displaced during transitioning of the lay from the cutter table onto a take-off table. Each overlay pinch mechanism includes a bracket for securing the overlay pinch mechanism onto the take-off table and a loaded clamp attaching onto the bracket. The clamp has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, a wheel, pivotably secured to the clamp, engages the overlay material to prevent displacement thereof during transitioning of the lay from the cutter table onto the take-off table.

Abstract: A bread cutting machine provided with a safety device comprising mechanical linking means arranged between the adjacent edges of the entry and exit tables. The mechanical linking means has a first state when the two tables are in position and a second state when one of the tables is removed. When the mechanical linking means is in its second state, it acts on means actuating a position switch so as to prevent the machine from operating.

Abstract: Scissors include a first cutting blade, a second cutting blade and a support shaft. The first cutting blade has a handle and is formed with a through hole. The second cutting blade has a handle and is formed with an insertion hole. The support shaft extends through the through hole of the first cutting blade and the insertion hole of the second cutting blade, for pivotally connecting the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade in a manner such that the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade can perform relative rotation about the support shaft with respect to each other to thereby perform a cutting operation. The second cutting blade has a spring nut portion formed in the form of a spring nut on an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole.

Abstract: A slitter cutting element for slitting a sheet of web material has an axially displaceable blade member arranged on a blade carrier. The axially displaceable blade member is biased by an elastomeric biasing member that provides a continuous and uniform contact force with a face of the blade member. The elastomeric biasing member is restrained from axial expansion by being bonded to the blade carrier.

Abstract: An arm configuration used in a scroll saw that allows the two arms to move substantially independently of one another and having a retaining mechanism which isolates one of the arms if one arm becomes disengaged from the saw blade or the saw blade breaks. A speed indicator that allows the user to easily determine the speed of the saw visually. A drive assembly including a pulley system that provides for increased torque and the saw to have a wide range of speeds.

Abstract: A sawguide assembly includes a set of sawguides positioned adjacent to one another to create an array of laterally-abutting sawguides. A sawguide biasing assembly biases the sawguides against one another. The array is supported for movement along a lateral path generally parallel to the axis of the arbor. A lateral driver is used to move the entire array in unison along the lateral path. A sawguide array skewing assembly couples the sawguides to one another so that the sawguides can be pivoted in unison about their respective pivot axes by a skewing driver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for removing one or more covers of an electronic module. The electronic module includes a cover extending over semiconductor devices mounted upon a substantially planar surface of the substrate. The cover is attached to the surface of the substrate about the semiconductor devices by an adhesive layer. The method includes bringing a cutting blade into contact with the cover and the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer and a portion of the cover adjacent to the adhesive layer are substantially removed. During the cover removal procedure, a bottom surface of the cutting blade may be moved in a plane parallel to the substantially planar surface of the substrate. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a cutting tool having a cutting blade, a base plate, and a fixture adapted for holding the module.