Abstract: The semiconductor inertial sensor is formed by a rotor element and a stator element electrostatically coupled together. The rotor element is formed by a suspended mass and by a plurality of mobile electrodes extending from the suspended mass. The stator element is formed by a plurality of fixed electrodes facing respective mobile electrodes. The suspended mass is supported by elastic suspension elements. The suspended mass has a first, larger, thickness, and the elastic suspension elements have a second thickness, smaller than the first thickness.

Abstract: Acoustic volume indicators of this invention comprise a resonator for causing a liquid container to vibrate, a detector for receiving vibration data from the liquid container, a frequency detector for converting the vibration data to frequency and comparing the frequency to stored frequency v. volume data to obtain the liquid volume, and an indicator for providing a desired output based on the liquid volume. The resonator can be provided in the form of an impactor that is actuated to strike the side of the liquid container to momentarily vibrate the tank, or in the form of a vibration generator that is operated to generate a sweep frequency signal in the tank. The detector is designed to respond to vibration signals provided from the tank wall, which signals will show a significant increase in amplitude at the resonant frequency of the tank and its contents. The detector can be in the form of an accelerometer designed to record the received signal.

Abstract: Acoustic sensing devices, systems and methods are provided for monitoring emissions from machinery. Representative is an acoustic sensing device for transmitting to a measuring instrumentation detection signals indicative of sound wave levels from the machinery. A housing assembly is constructed for removable attachment between a surface mounting region of the machinery and the measuring instrument to define a coupled state. An acoustic emissions (AE) sensor is located in the housing assembly's interior and detects sound waves propagating through the surface mounting region to produce detection signals for processing. A mounting adapter may be employed to interface the housing assembly to the machinery's surface mounting region.

Abstract: Disclosed are micromachined acoustic sensors for monitoring electrochemical deposition, methods for fabricating such sensors, and methods for in-situ monitoring of electrochemical deposition processes using such sensors. An exemplary acoustic sensor comprises a deformable silicon membrane, an encapsulated piezoelectric layer formed on the silicon membrane, and surface electrodes formed on the piezoelectric layer. The sensor and a loudspeaker may be used to calibrate an electrochemical deposition process. The acoustic response of the sensor is monitored over time with respect to plating thickness during electroplating of a sample to generate a predictive model defining the plating process. The predictive model may be used to monitor the plating thickness of other samples in real time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can execute the positioning of a probe and an inspection sample easily and accurately at an excellent reproducibility is disclosed. This is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that includes; a probe for transmitting an ultrasonic wave into a living body and receives a reflection wave from an inspection sample inside the living body; an image generator for generating a fault image of the inspection sample in accordance with a signal received by the probe; and an image display for displaying the fault image. The probe has a first transducer element array 1 and a second transducer element array 2, and these transducer element arrays are arranged such that array directions intersect each other. Moreover, the image generator and the image display generate and display a first fault image corresponding to a signal received by the first transducer element array and a second fault image corresponding to a signal received by the second transducer element array.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting gain are described. The systems includes a probe. The probe includes a housing, a transducer element configured to receive a signal, and an adjustable gain amplifier located inside the housing and configured to adjust a gain provided to the signal based on a function having a slope other than zero.

Abstract: There is provided a non-destructive inspection device having an actuating portion and at least one inspecting portion. The inspecting portion(s) are magnetically coupled to the actuating portion so that the inspecting portion(s) may be moved into limited-access areas to inspect features of a structure. The inspecting portion(s) each include at least one inspection sensor that transmits and/or receives signals that, when processed, indicate defects in the features of the structure. The inspection sensor of the inspecting portion is moveable relative to the housing of the inspecting portion to enable inspection of relatively larger areas of the structure being inspected. The inspection sensors may be moved, relative to the housing of the inspecting portion, manually and/or automatically.

Abstract: A fluid system pressure indicator is adapted for use in fluid systems having a filter element. The fluid system force indicator includes a housing partitioned to be exposed to the fluid system to provide transmission of a mechanical force between these partitioned environments to indicate the fluid pressure. This exterior shape change is such that it can be identified through tactile means not requiring visual identification.

Abstract: A pressure measurement system may provide ready manufacturing, reliable operation, and/or enhanced performance by using a circuit board housing. In particular implementations, a pressure measurement system includes a pressure inlet joint, a pressure detecting component, a circuit board, and a circuit board housing. The pressure detecting component is coupled to the pressure inlet joint, which is adapted to introduce a pressure of a fluid. The circuit board is coupled to the pressure detecting component and is operable to condition an electrical signal from the pressure detecting component. The circuit board housing at least partially encloses the pressure detecting component and is adapted to engage the circuit board. The circuit board housing has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a larger diameter section and a smaller diameter section, the smaller diameter section coupled to the pressure inlet joint, the circuit board located at least in part in the larger diameter section.

Abstract: A system and method for pressure measurement may include the ability to readily produce a pressure measurement system. In one general aspect, a process for producing a pressure measurement system includes providing an assembly including a stem, a pressure detector, and a first circuit board. The pressure detector is operable to generate a signal based on pressure introduced through the stem, and the circuit board is operable to condition the signal. The process also includes compensating the assembly, determining a signal output type for a pressure measurement system that will include the assembly, and installing a second circuit board that produces the signal output type without materially affecting the compensation.

Abstract: A system and method for pressure measurement may include the ability to readily produce a pressure measurement system. In one general aspect, pressure measurement may include a signal-converting circuit that includes a coupler, a signal biaser, and a signal span adjuster. The coupler is operable to receive a pressure-representative signal, and the signal biaser includes a thermally-insensitive voltage divider that facilitates biasing the pressure-representative signal. The signal span adjuster is coupled to the coupler and the signal biaser and includes a thermally-insensitive voltage divider that facilitates adjusting the span of the pressure-representative signal.

Abstract: A method for both detecting and analyzing a change in the loading condition of a structure. A flexible substrate is employed, in which a distributed network of sensors is built. This substrate is either affixed to the surface of the structure, or built within it, so as to be able to detect propagating stress waves. After load change is detected, the resulting sensor signals are analyzed to determine the location, severity, and/or any characteristic frequencies of the load change. This information is then used to determine an appropriate response.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a crane equipped with an inspection device that can maintain excellent inspection conditions without decreasing cargo transporting efficiency. On a container transporting route of a quay crane, a truck (position adjustment device), is provided moveably in a direction across this transporting route. An inspection device, which inspects the container, is provided on this truck. An upper part frame, which projects above the inspection device, and a lower part frame, which projects under the inspection device, are provided on the truck. An upside position detector, which detects the relative position of the container and the inspection device in the direction of movement of the truck, is provided in a position higher than that of the inspection device of the upper frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniature, integrated strain-measuring device with a simple and economical design which can be mass produced at least cost and comprising reliable, reproducible and tamperproof settings. The inventive device can be quickly installed on the structure to be measured without the need for a specialist technician and without altering said structure. The device comprises a deformable element (20) which is mounted between two mounting posts (30, 40) which are intended to be fixed to a structure (1) to be measured, said deformable element (20) bearing strain gauges (61) which are connected to an electronic signal-conditioning circuit (70). The invention is characterised in that it comprises means of prestressing (80) the deformable element (20), said means being provided with at least one prestressing rod (81) which extends between the two mounting posts (30, 40).

Abstract: A mass flow meter device utilizing a housing having a wall portion forming a chamber with an entrance and exit for passing fluid through the same. A body is located within the chamber and is composed of a first conical portion, a second conical portion, and a cylindrical portion positioned intermediate the first and second conical portions. The body is held within the chamber in a standard or reverse direction. A first pressure probe or sensor measures the fluid pressure at the apex of the first conical portion while a second pressure probe or sensor obtains a second pressure measurement at the cylindrical portion of the body. The comparison of the first and second pressure measurements serves as an indication for the mass flow of fluid through the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring an air supply flow or a volumetric air flow, in particular for ventilators which can also be applied for extremely low flow speeds and/or throughput rates. The aim of the invention is to produce a device cheaply and simply with essentially wear-free components which reacts to changes in the flow speed and/or the throughput rate without a time delay. Said aim is achieved, whereby the device comprises an approach flow device, the position of which may be altered relative to a mounting, against a retaining force FM and which may be impinged by the air flow for monitoring to generate a change in the position thereof. Furthermore, magnetic devices for the generation of a magnetic field dependent on the position of the approach flow device, detection means for recording the magnetic field and measuring means for generation of a measured signal dependent on the magnetic field are provided. The magnetic field forms at least a part of the retaining force FM.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for determining the mass rate of flow of a mass flow, especially for measuring a flow of bulk material. An impeller wheel (2), which is connected to the drive shaft (3) and which is driven at a constant rotational speed, is thus provided. The impeller wheel (2) deviates an axially impinged mass flow in a radial direction and provides it with a radial and tangential speed component. The drive shaft (3) includes a spur-toothed wheel (11) which engages with an intermediate spur-toothed wheel (21) and which is driven by a driving spur-toothed wheel (20, 31). The intermediate spur-toothed wheel (21) is mounted on a force transmitting arm (24) which is maintained in a radial position by a force measuring device.

Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter (300) having a low mass drive system comprising a driver coil (D) for vibrating flow tube means (102). The Coriolis mass flowmeter does not use a magnet affixed to the flow tube means. Instead, the flow tube means is coated with or is integral to magnetic material (103) that responds to the magnetic fields generated by the driver coil to vibrate the flow tube means. The flow tube means may comprise one (102) or more (1402C1, 1402C2) flow tubes. The magnetic material may be ferrous material devoid of an internal magnetic field. Alternatively the magnetic material may be steel or stainless steel having internal magnetic fields.

Abstract: A detector of an absolute rotation angle and torque is disclosed. The detector includes a first gear (1) coupled to an input shaft (2) of a torsion-bar unit, a gear A (6) engaging with the first gear (1), and a first detecting section of an absolute rotation angle placed at the center of the gear A (6). The detector also includes a second gear (3) coupled to an output shaft (4) of the torsion-bar unit, a gear B (7) engaging with the second gear (3), and a second detecting section of an absolute angle placed at the center of gear B (7).

Abstract: A magnetostrictive torque sensor includes first and second magnetostrictive films which are provided at a shaft and have different magnetic anisotropies; a first measurement coil and a second measurement coil which face the first magnetostrictive film; and a third measurement coil and a fourth measurement coil which face the second magnetostrictive film. A torque applied to the shaft is measured based on a variation in magnetic characteristics of the first and the second magnetostrictive films; and a failure of the magnetostrictive torque sensor is detected based on a first difference between output values from the first and the second measurement coils and a second difference between output values from the third and the fourth measurement coils. An electric steering system includes the magnetostrictive torque sensor for measuring a steering torque of the system; and an electric motor driven based on the measured magnetostrictive torque for steering the vehicle.

Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus having a permanent magnet fixed to an input shaft, magnetic yokes fixed to an output shaft coaxially connected to the input shaft via a torsion bar and disposed within a magnetic field of the permanent magnet to form a magnetic circuit, and a Hall IC for detecting a magnetic flux induced by the magnetic yokes. The permanent magnet is of a truncated conical shape, and the bevel circumference surface thereof is magnetized by magnetic poles alternately in a reverse polarities along circumference direction, so as to oppose the magnetic yokes. A torque applied to the input shaft or the output shaft can be detected through detection by the Hall IC of the magnetic flux generated between the magnetic yokes. The configuration allows reducing the length in an axial direction of the input shaft.

Abstract: Revolution speeds of rolling elements in respective rows are sensed, and then the axial load or the radial load is derived based on the revolution speeds. In case the acting directions of these loads are displaced, the contact angles of the rolling elements in respective rows are differentiated in response to this displacement, or values of influence coefficients used to detect respective loads are changed based on the revolution speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting whether a person has handled explosives, narcotics or other substances of interest. The apparatus includes a metallic sample collection surface on which a person may place a finger. Upon removal of the finger, the metallic sample collection surface is moved to a desorber. The desorber heats the metallic surface sufficiently to vaporize residue transferred from the person. The vaporized residue then is transmitted to a detector for analysis. The detector also may include a fingerprint reading apparatus for reading the fingerprint of the person and comparing the fingerprint to known fingerprint data.

Abstract: An object is to provide an inspection sample making apparatus (30) that can simplify work for making an inspection sample (12) and can ensure inspection for seal condition. The inspection sample making apparatus (30) includes a preliminary-inspection-sample-making device (20) for peeling a predetermined fusion-bonded piece of a packaging container (10) off a wall of the packaging container (10) so as to make a preliminary inspection sample (20); and a cutting device for cutting the preliminary inspection sample (52) along a predetermined cutting line so as to make an inspection sample (12).

Abstract: A person who is elderly, requires care, or an inpatient who is under the care by his or her family members, a nursing care worker, or a nurse in a hospital or medical institution must be monitored constantly, however the caregiver cannot be in attendance on the patient all the time. A biosignal intensity measuring method is provided to solve the above problem According to the measuring method, output signals from a noninvasive sensor, which detects biosignals from a lying subject, are amplified and noises other than the biosignals are attenuated via a signal amplifying/shaping unit, and the amplified signals are controlled by an automatic gain control (AGC) unit to have sizes within a prescribed range, then parameters acquired by signal gains in a control circuit upon carrying out automatic gain control are output as the output signal intensity of the biosignals to calculate biosignal intensity. A bedding state monitoring method is also provided.

Abstract: A shield for a humidity sensor probe includes a hollow enclosure substantially covering the humidity sensor probe, the hollow enclosure having a peripheral wall and a forward end wall, the peripheral wall secured to a rearward flange adapted for securement to a humidity sensor housing; wherein the peripheral wall is provided with a plurality of flow apertures.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle, e.g., a power-steering system for a motor vehicle, includes a gear unit, which converts a rotational movement of a first gear element, such as a pinion, to an axial shifting movement of a rod or gear rack. The gear unit is used for adjusting the steering angle of one or more wheels of the motor vehicle. The shifting movement of the rod occurs between a first limit stop and a second limit stop and is detected by a position sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid shifter damper mechanism for a vehicle transmission may include a shift linkage having a first position and a second position, a magnetic fluid damper disposed between a substantially fixed point and a support point on the shift linkage, a fluid inside the magnetic fluid damper resisting substantially a motion of the support point relative to the substantially fixed point in the presence of a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field is applied substantially to the fluid when the shift lever is in substantially the first or the second position, and wherein the magnetic field is removed substantially from the fluid when the shift lever is substantially between the first and the second position.

Abstract: A start-up process of making aluminum using a single carbothermic reactor/furnace (11) having a single hollow reactor compartment with bottom resistance heating electrodes (16) (13) in the side of the reactor, involves adding Al2O3 and C (carbon) for start-up and melting the mixture to provide a (Al2O3—Al4C3) slag having a temperature between about 1875° C. and 2000° C.; and then adding Al4C3 to the slag and raising the temperature of the furnace (11) to form a top Al phase with 6 to 8 wt % C (21) and a bottom slag phase (22); and then adding Al2O3 is added to the Al—C/slag (21, 22) to produce an Al2O3 rich slag lower the reactant temperature and produce a decarbonization reaction (step 30) providing a top Al phase with less than 5 wt % C (23) which is then tapped after step (40). The remaining slag is the starting material.

Abstract: A system and method for making nanoparticles. The system includes a first cathode including a first metal tube associated with a first end and a second end, a first anode including a second metal tube associated with a third end and a fourth end, and a first container including a first gas inlet. The first end and the third end are located inside the first container. The first end and the third end are separated by a first gap, the first metal tube is configured to allow a first gas to flow from the second end to the first end, and the first container is configured to allow a second gas to flow from the first gas inlet into the second metal tube through at least a first part of the first gap.

Abstract: A method for making Nano-scale lead-free solder includes the following steps of: forming a mixture solution Sn—Ag or Sn—Ag—Cu; making NaBH4, NaOH and alkyl C12H25OSO3Na to a reducing dispersing solution; producing reactant Sn—Ag or Sn—Ag—Cu by means of the oxidation reduction method; and adding 95% ethanol to be mixed, and cleaning the reactant by using a supersonic vibrator for removing boron (B) and sulfur (S) atom which adhere to the reactant, thereby producing the Nano-scale (0.1˜100 nm) lead-free solder Sn-3.5Ag or Sn-3.5Ag-xCu (x=0.2˜1.0).

Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing nano scale nickel powders by wet reducing process. An embodiment of the method of preparing nickel powders comprises preparing the first solution formed by mixing water and a base, preparing the second solution formed by mixing a polyol and a nickel compound, preparing a mixture by mixing the first solution and the second solution, heating the mixture, and separating the nickel powders generated during heating.

Abstract: New sol-gel methods can be employed to generate high surface area porous iron (III) oxide-based solids. Chemical reduction of such porous solids at low temperatures allows the preparation of high surface area porous iron with little sintering, with the only byproduct being water. The material is readily pyrophoric and has utility in new decoy flares. The material, prepared by this synthetic route, eliminates the use of hot caustic leaching solutions. It does not require the incorporation of any hazardous materials or processes that are not already used in current production methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems used to measure mercury in gaseous emissions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to the use of an inert covalently bonded material selected from silicon carbide (SiC), silicon oxides (SiOn, n=1-2), silicon nitride (e.g. Si3N4), silicon boride (e.g. SiB6), boron nitride (e.g. BN) and mixtures thereof as material for a thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an improved pyrolyzer design, in which a thermal pyrolysis unit comprises a tailpiece that allows water to be injected at the heated exit of the thermal pyrolysis unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a coalescing filter in a scrubbing unit. In another aspect, the invention is directed to the use of a hydrophobic filter element in a scrubbing unit. One or more of these elements may be used in a conditioning module of a continuous emissions monitoring system, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed here in the present invention is a pattern cutter, including a base and cutting blade. The cutting blade is located on the base. The blade forms the shape of pattern to be cut. The said base and cutting blade are of one-piece structure, which is machined to shape at one go through die-casting process. A method for processing such a pattern cutter, which directly utilizes mould to die cast the base and blade that are joined together. The said cutting blade forms the pattern shape that requires to be cut. A mould that is applied to the aforesaid processing method, inside the mould there is arranged a cavity for blade forming purpose. The said blade-forming cavity is of triangle or combination of triangle and rectangle or combination of triangle and trapezoid. The depth of blade-forming cavity is greater than or equal to 2.5 mm. The included angle at the sharp end of the blade-forming cavity is smaller than or equal to 60°.

Abstract: A two-piece canvas button comprises a shell, a back, and a piece of artist canvas tightly tucked between the shell and back. The shell provides a sturdy mounting for the artist canvas, on which an artist paints. The back may be a formed back with a frusto-conical margin that cooperates with a frusto-conical wall of the shell to tightly tuck the artist canvas. Alternately, the back may be a flat back, in which case the artist canvas is tightly tucked between the periphery of the flat back and the shell frusto-conical wall. A round canvas button with the flat back may have a flat coplanar flange; the artist canvas is tightly tucked between the flange and the back. A rectangular canvas button has coplanar flanges. Machines for manufacturing the canvas buttons may use either a third press stroke or only two strokes to manufacture the buttons with the coplanar flanges.

Abstract: A specialized tool for opening a particular type of container and lid configuration which is used in the food and beverage arts. The tool includes a handle section and an operating section. The operating section includes a jaw portion with a pointed lower lip and an open area. The operating section further includes a curved lower lid contacting area and at least one notch for contacting a rim on a container and providing a pivot point. The tool is useful for any person who may have difficulty in opening the particular container type described. A method of use and a specially designed support base are also described.

Abstract: A handle for holding a tool piece comprising: a fore end region and an aft end region; an edge at the fore end region of the handle defining an opening for inserting a tool piece; and a clamp connected to the fore end region of the handle comprising a pair of selectively movable, substantially diametrically opposed arms. A handle for a broken key extractor, the handle capable of holding a selectively removable 0.050-inch broken key extractor blade such that a tensile force of at least about 50 pounds is required to remove the blade from the handle using a SCOTT J Model Tensile Tester.

Abstract: The present invention includes a driven socket for a female threaded fastener formed from hexagonal steel stock or trilobe, D shaped stock, or round stock with other gripping or holding means. The driven socket also includes eight radial lobes located adjacent to one of the hexagon of equal length sides and equidistant from the center of the fastener for loosening and tightening the fastener. A method of the present invention includes the steps for removing or tightening a threaded fastener from a corresponding bolt comprising the steps of: positioning a socket over a washer-nut; positioning a key to align a locking ring having tabs into a slot in the fastener to hold the socket securely to the locking fastener; engaging a lobe on the fastener to place pressure on a leveraging portion of the socket; and wherein rotating the socket removes or tightens the fastener.

Abstract: A tool with adjustable jaws for rotating a fastener. The jaws are located within a housing which shares the torque load applied to the fastener through the jaws. An adjustment mechanism moves the jaws laterally within the housing on an adjustment shaft which is rotated through an accessible adjusting wheel. The adjustment shaft has a groove formed therein and a ball within the grooves. There is relative movement between the ball and the groove for jaw adjustment.

Abstract: A hand tool having an adjustable head with a joint lock mechanism comprises a head having a rear end and a handle having a front end pivotally coupled to the rear end of the head. The handle has a first aperture longitudinally extending at the front end thereof and a second aperture is formed perpendicularly intersecting the first aperture.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for gripping a pad are disclosed.

Abstract: A heavy duty, large self-forming socket having a plurality of retractable gripping pins bundled in parallel and held in a frame within a housing is disclosed. The frame is positioned axially within the housing by radially extending, elongated hold elements that are positioned circumferentially around the housing. Slots in the housing exterior allow efficient inspection of the position of holes into which the hold elements are installed. A collar with shelf around the center pin protects the bias spring for the pin from over-compression. The gripping pins may be held to the frame by spring clips and/or a resilient O-ring. An adaptor is attached wherein a secondary operation is used to remove the adaptor from the square end of the socket. The self-forming socket is well suited for use with valves and controls for water, gas, sewage conduits and piping.

Abstract: A toolkit includes a frame, at least one tool set and a chain tool. The tool set is pivotally connected with the frame. The chain tool is attached to the frame in a detachable manner. The chain tool is located in the frame in a manner that it supports the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener that can be used with a variety of bits as well as a fastener with several security features that can be used only with a very specialized bit and, also, a fastener/bit combination that can be used in conjunction with high-torque power tools. Specifically, this invention allows the use of a straight blade, a three-blade or a five-blade driver with the same fastener head.

Abstract: A device for use with a tool for rotating a wheel nut of a vehicle. The device is fittable to a diameter of a wheel to facilitate the turning of a wheel nut for loosening for removal of the wheel from the vehicle or for tightening the wheel to the vehicle. The device has a shape with extended portions that extend to a diameter that approaches the inner diameter of the wheel or fits around the outer diameter of the wheel. Apertures through the device are arranged in a base circle pattern that matches the diameter circle of the wheel nuts. An aperture is provided for the axle hub. A stabilizer can be used with a sleeve for maintaining the tool along the centerline.

Abstract: A carpet installation tool capable of being used to crease and tuck carpets in a wide variety of locations, including those difficult to access. The tool includes a handle that defines a longitudinal axis of the tool and a head disposed at one end of the handle. The handle has a longitudinal length sufficient to accommodate at least one hand of a user. The head has a neck portion adjacent the handle, a heel portion adjacent the neck portion, and a toe portion adjacent the heel portion. The neck portion extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the tool, and has a length sufficient to accommodate a hand of the user. The heel portion is adjacent the neck portion so that a heel edge defined thereby is offset from the longitudinal axis of the tool in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The heel and toe portions define a distal edge that extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaving thin rods of glass or quartz comprises a rod cleaving blade (27) and a body (28) carrying the blade. The body is of a material varying its length through application of electric and/or magnetic fields therein. Driving means (31, 33) are adapted to achieve a relatively steady movement of the blade towards a desired cleaving point and a relatively small-amplitude vibratory component of movement towards and away from the cleaving point superimposed to the relatively steady movement by influencing said body electrically and/or magnetically. A driving means is adapted to make the blade vibrate with a frequency below 1 kHz during the cleaving operation.

Abstract: A scribe method for a brittle material substrate is a method in which a plurality of scribe lines are formed in directions intersecting with one another in a surface of the brittle material substrate, wherein at least one scribe line in a first direction is formed by a scribe means generating a high-penetration vertical crack in the brittle material substrate by applying impacts of a short period to the point on the surface of the brittle material substrate. After this, at least one scribe line of a second direction in a direction intersecting with the at least one scribe line of the first direction is formed with the scribe means by scribing without producing intersections with the scribe lines of the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for slicing a block of material comprises a harping unit having a blade adaptively attached to a fixed frame, and a feed unit moving the block of material on a feed tray relative to the blade. The blade slices the block of material and leaves uncut a longitudinal tab of material.