Abstract: A compound sheet with a welded seam is arranged on a table (2) of the device (1). By lowering a cutting and bending punch (4), a cutout is cut from the compound sheet and bent downwards. A pulling device is arranged inside the device (1) underneath the table (2) to seize the downwardly bent cutout and tear it off the compound sheet. The quality of the weld can be evaluated by visual inspection of the appearance of the rupture point, in a known manner. In this way, tear test specimens of consistent quality and informativeness can be prepared very quickly and easily.

Abstract: In a printing device such as a laser beam printer utilizing a continuous-form recording sheet, provided are feeding member for feeding the continuous-from recording sheet along a predetermined feeding path; forming member for forming the image on the continuous-form recording sheet having been fed by by the feeding member; detecting member for detecting a boundary on the continuous-form recording sheet fed by the feeding member between segments on which the image forming operation by the forming member has been executed and segments on which the image forming member is not executed; cutting member for cutting the continuous-form recording sheet is divided into two portions along the predetermined feeding path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for severing a workpiece wherein the workpiece is clamped at two axially spaced apart locations, and heated to reduce the tensile strength of the material, after which the axial spacing between the clamps is increased to pull the workpiece apart in the heated area. This apparatus and method may also be used in a flying environment; i.e., the severing apparatus travels with the workpiece to sever sections of a workpiece continuously emanating from a fabrication mill.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaving GaAs laser bars from a cell utilizes a first jaw applied to one end of a laser bar to propagate a cleavage and a second jaw applied to an opposite end which provides a biasing force that assures separation of the bar from the cell along the same crystallographic plane. The apparatus may be used in an ultra-high vacuum environment and allows handling of the bars without contacting the vital areas of the top surfaces or facet faces. The apparatus precisely locates bars after cleavage so that they may be further processed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for severing flat tubing. The method involves the steps of clamping a length of tubing, deeply scoring the tubing on opposite sides and applying a high impact axial force to sever the tube.

Abstract: A method for separating a thin-walled multiport extrusion into a plurality of micro-tubes for use as single pass lengths in a heat exchanger assembly, the method including the steps of threading the micro-extrusion into a clamping device including first and second sets of clamping blocks which hold the micro-extrusion rigidly while the clamping blocks of the clamping device are drawn in opposite directions on opposite sides of a groove cut in the upper and lower walls of the extrusion, tearing the extrusion apart along cutting lines formed in the upper and lower walls of the extrusion during the separation process.

Abstract: A method of making a connecting rod for attachment to a bearing journal by separation of parts of the connecting rod, comprising: (a) forging a powder metal sintered preform to provide a one-piece connecting rod having an annular wall defining a crank opening with a center axis and with stress risers for establishing a cracking plane that extends across said crank opening; (b) providing access for a compression coupling across the cracking plane; (c) while at ambient conditions, applying tension substantially uniformly across the cracking plane to propogate fracture from the stress risers along said cracking plane and thereby separate the connecting rod into a cap and body with cracked surfaces; and (d) remating the cap and body by applying a compression coupling through the access to draw said cap and body together under guidance and with metal yielding pressure to effect substantially an exact rematch of said cracked surfaces.

Abstract: A sheet separator device for side-by-side parallel sheet articles being handled and conveyed in sheet handling machines comprises first and second endless belt arrangements for conveying sheet articles in nips between belts, wherein first and second belt arrangements are divergently disposed in relationship to one another so that sheet articles entering respectively thereinto in a common plane in side-by-side parallel relationship are conveyed thereby along respective divergent paths. Sheet articles exiting from divergent first and second endless belt arrangements, respectively, are farther conveyed in a common plane along side-by-side parallel paths which are separated by a larger distance than the original distance between sheet articles entering the first and second endless belt arrangements.

Abstract: A method for producing bundles of tags from a stack of die cut sheets and an apparatus for stripping bundles of tags from a stack of die cut sheets and tying the bundles. The disclosed method includes clamping portions of a stack of die cut sheets on opposite sides of a common cut line adjacent the cut line and rotating the portions about the common cut line with respect to each other about an axis parallel to the cut line. The method causes the portions to separate sequentially for individual sheets in order to substantially reduce the stripping force required. The method may further include imparting a force in a direction transverse the sheets during the rotating to further enhance the sequential separation of the sheet portions. An apparatus is disclosed including gravity feed means for feeding stacks of sheets into a dual stripping assembly having alternatingly-actuated stripping members.

Abstract: Cleaving of an optical fibre (2) is achieved by bringing a fibre cleaving blade (3) into lateral contact with such a fibre. Undue intrusion of the blade into the fibre during prior art cleaving processes can damage the fibre so as to detract from the quality of the resulting cleaved fibre end surfaces. Improvemets in the quality of the resulting end surfaces can be obtained in relation to prior art techniques by superimposing a relatively small amplitude vibratory component on a relatively steady movement of the blade towards the fibre. This can also enable the conventional use of a backing anvil at the cleaving location to be dispensed with, thereby removing danger of contamination from the anvil.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting optical fibres, whereby said optical fibres provided with at least one protective covering, are caused to be cut by the transveral movement of two blades rigidly connected to one another and forming an angle of less than 45.degree. between them.

Abstract: An optical fiber is scored for severing by placing the fiber on a pad in contact with a surface of the pad and engaging the fiber with a scoring body having a rounded obtuse scoring surface in such manner as to urge said scoring surface into scoring contact with fiber and score the fiber without rotation of the fiber about its longitudinal axis relative to the scoring surface, whereby the scoring contact creates a local flaw in the fiber at which the fiber may be parted by stressing the fiber in tension. The scoring surface of the body is rounded to a curvature such that parting of the fiber at the flaw by stressing of the fiber in tension produces mirror smooth fiber end surfaces at the part. The scoring body may be a blade having a blunt edge providing the obtuse scoring surface or a filament such as an optical fiber positioned across the fiber between the pad and a second pad that are moved together to grip the fiber and simultaneously urge the filament into scoring contact with the fiber.

Abstract: A machine for automatically forming a placket on a garment, for example on a front of a child's shirt, makes use of a clamping and straightening apparatus which has a pair of clamp members which engage the garment piece along a segmented edge, straighten the edge and then transport the edge past a sewing machine which attaches a strip of lining material.

Abstract: This invention relates to optical fiber cleaving tools where the optical fiber is held in a first clamping device, a portion of said fiber is passed through and elongated open which is coaxial with the long axis of said fiber, and through a second coaxial clamping device, which places said fiber in tension. A sharp pointed means is positioned between the exit of said elongated opening and said second clamping device, adjusted to score the circumferential periphery of said fiber. The tension on said fiber causes it to cleave in a mirror-surface plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said fiber. Herein, the cleaving tool of this invention produces mirror-surface ends, at least about 1.degree. of the desired 90.degree., and even essentially 90.degree.. In this invention the second clamping device is distinguished in that one clamping face is an arc of a defined circular circumference.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaving an optical fibre (115) under axial tension, is provided with a cleaver blade (116) which is mounted as part of a rotatable cleaver assembly. The assembly is balanced about its axis of rotation and, as described, comprises a wheel (117) mounted on an axle (138). The cleaver blade (116) is attached to an arm which extends radially from the wheel (117). A hair spring (304) drives the assembly. The cleaving apparatus finds particular application in cleaving monomode fibres under normal working, rather than laboratory, conditions.

Abstract: A bare optical fiber is located within the interstice of three cylindrical pins with the fiber end extending outwardly of the contact assembly. The contact is located within an axial opening of a rotatable drum member with the bare optical fiber end extending outwardly. The drum member is interconnected via bearings to an outer rotatable portion of the drum member. A pretensioning clamp is arranged to receive the bare end of the fiber to secure it between clamp heads which applies an axial tension to the bare fiber with respect to the contact. A cutter blade mounted on the rotatable portion of the drum is adjustable to move a knife edge angularly toward the bear fiber to contact the bare fiber at a point closely adjacent the contact pin ends. Rotation of the outer portion of the drum member scores the fiber, as desired.

Abstract: A fiber optic cleaving tool includes, as one half of a clamping member, an elongated cleaver base pad which has one end fixed to an anvil which is mounted adjacent a cutter blade. The base pad includes alignment means, which can be upraised walls, for removably receiving a fiber guide pad having a groove therein for accepting a specific size of optical fiber. To work with a different fiber size, only the fiber guide pad is replaced, and thus the necessary critical alignment of the fiber with the cutting blade is maintained.

Abstract: A hand tool for providing an optical fibre with an end face which is flat and lies in a plane radial to the fibre axis comprises four elongate members extending side by side. The first member is of tubular form and surrounds the other three members and has, mounted near one of its ends, jaws of two pairs of jaws transversely spaced on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the member and, between the jaws, a table having a curved surface. The second member is pivotally connected to the first member at its end remote from the table about an axis extending transversely of the members, is urged away from an internal surface of the first member by a leaf spring and carries, near its other end, the other jaws of the transversely spaced pairs of jaws. The jaws of one pair of jaws are mounted to exert a tensile force on the fibre.

Abstract: An optical fiber severing device comprising a support for retaining a plurality of optical glass fibers in spaced relationship, scoring device for inflicting a flaw on the glass surface of each of the optical fibers providing each of the fibers with first and second portions on opposite sides of its flaw, a pressure mechanism for slidably engaging each of the fibers and applying pressure to a contacted area of each of the fibers, and a motive mechanism for applying respective tension forces between the first portions of the fiber and the pressure means and concurrently moving each of the fibers with respect to the pressure mechanism so that the contacted areas pass over the flaws as they move along the surface of the fibers from the first portions to the second portions.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating folded two-on cartons is characterized by a carton supply station for advancing cartons seriatim to a separating station. At the separating station, opposite edges of each carton are gripped and first moved away from each other to pull the two-on carton apart into two separate cartons, and then moved toward each other to bring the separated cartons back together. The separated cartons are then conveyed out of the separating station while the supply station simultaneously advances the next successive two-on carton to the separating station.

Abstract: An elastic band cutting apparatus is disclosed which includes a movable blade mounted proximate an elastic band stock holding structure for displacement to effect cutting of the tubular stock. The apparatus also includes a movable anvil which cooperates with the blade to engage the cut elastic bands so as to grip the same between the blade and anvil. After cutting is completed, one of the anvil and blade are displaced with respect to the blade so as to break any bonds which have formed during the shearing process. The apparatus further includes stock feeding assembly which will advance the stock to the cutter and eject previously cut and separated bands onto band manipulating apparatus. A method for cutting and separating elastic bands also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaving optical fibers includes a fiber support fixed to a housing for supporting an extent of the fiber for scoring by a cleaving element. Pulling means grasp the end of fiber and offsets such fiber end relative to the fixed fiber support thereby bending the fiber about the scored location, and pulls the fiber longitudinally away from the scored location to effect a sever thereat.

Abstract: A hand-held optical fiber cleaving tool has a shaft for receiving a fiber which has had the end portion of the protective cover removed. A reduced diameter section in the shaft acts as an abutment, and the exposed end of the fiber is held in a V-block clamp. The clamp is spring-biased to place the fiber in tension during a circumferential scoring by a pointed scoring tool which is journaled about the shaft. The applied tension causes the fiber to break upon completion of the scoring. In an alternate embodiment which is not hand-held, support is provided for the fiber opposite the scoring tool.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of (a) inflicting a flaw on the glass surface of an optical glass fiber to be severed, (b) contacting an area about the fiber for applying pressure thereto which compresses the fiber, and (c) moving the contacted area along the fiber while applying sufficient pressure to produce frictional force which severs the fiber as the contacted area moves over the flaw.

Abstract: A device for processing a batch or stack of die cut sheets to sever the individual blanks into piles of blanks characterized by a lower frame supporting a fixed plate and a slidable plate, an upper frame movable relative to the lower frame supporting a fixed plate and a slidable plate, each of said fixed and slidable plates supporting a pair of transversely movable tables so that when a batch of die cut sheets is disposed between the movable tables and the upper frame is lowered, the movable tables can cause a separation of the blanks along two orthogonal directions. The device also includes a conveyor which is mounted in the frame for conveying the batch into the device and the piles out of the device with the conveyor being retracted as the upper frame is moved into clamping engagement with the batch of sheets.

Abstract: Optical fibers are cleaved with high precision by a technique that yields flat endfaces that are perpendicular to the axis of the fiber within 1 degree, and typically within 0.5 degree. This is very advantageous for obtaining low loss splices of fibers, especially single mode fibers. In the present technique, a fiber is secured in two linearly aligned chucks in a sequence that allows one end to rotate unconstrained to minimize tortion. An axial tension is then applied in the fiber, which is next scored. The fiber then typically breaks, but cleaving can be promoted by applying further tension, or introducing moisture, if necessary.

Abstract: A hand held tool for cleaving optical fibers including an elongated body having a longitudinal axis extending lengthwise thereof. A fiber support surface is attached to the body and extends in a plane which is transverse to such longitudinal axis. Fiber cutting means are attached to the body and are selectively moveable in the general direction of the longitudinal axis away from the fiber support surface, and towards the fiber support surface for severing an optical fiber extending across the fiber support surface such that the end face of the fiber is smooth and lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the fiber. Tension means for subjecting the optical fiber to tension during the cleaving operation are provided including a first tension arm and a second tension arm each arm being pivotally attached to the body for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, the tension arms being spring biased away from each other.

Abstract: A scribing machine and method in which the fiber end projecting from a connector or other fiber holder is scribed and severed with a smooth, flat face having a mirror surface at a perpendicular angle to the fiber axis and at the precise length desired for the selected end use. The machine imparts a first preselected level of tension to the fiber during the scribing operation and a second preselected level of tension during the severing operation. The first level is below the tension needed to propagate a crack across the body of the fiber and the second level is above that level. The scribing operation is effected by a tool which is effective to score the surface of the fiber to generate a flaw during the scribing operation, and is withdrawn from engagement with the fiber during the severing operation so that the fiber is suspended without interference as the crack propagates from the flaw across its body.

Abstract: A method for breaking or severing a rod of brittle fiber material, such as glass optical fiber, to produce a mirror end surface thereon, normal to its longitudinal axis and free of imperfection, is described wherein a linear section of the fiber, usually stripped of its outer protective coating or cladding, is supported and held at and between spaced zones and sequentially subjected to gradually increasing axial tension while its exterior surface is scored by a rotatable cutter or scoring wheel moving in and along a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of said section to effect its separation or cleavage along said plane.

Abstract: A cutter employing two heated eccentrically mounted rollers adapted to coact with each other in order to sever a material by means of a crushing action is utilized in conjunction with a transport member to cut predetermined lengths of material from a continuous roll of said material. The cutting action of the heated rollers provides cut ends of the material which may be readily spliced together without the use of gum strips.

Abstract: A process and machine, as a separate or integral part of a process and machine for manufacturing glassware, plastic or similar articles, adapted for the specific purpose of simultaneously cutting off excess ends of hollow glass, plastic or similar articles such as tubes enlarged at their mid-portion, comprising means for rotationally supporting the mid-portion of said articles either vertically or horizontally; thermal, electromagnetic or mechanical cutting means movable into and out of cutting relation with the excess ends of the article, rotatable grippers synchronized with the supporting means for rotationally gripping one or both excess ends during cutting of same and being adapted to exert a slight outward axial force at a predetermined rate on said excess ends until the cutting action is completed, and to release the excess ends to gravitate to a scrap collector before or after removal of the finished article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for partitioning and/or shaping a batt by gripping the batt with resilient means or, alternatively, with resilient means and non-resilient means, and by stressing or severing the batt without the formation of compaction areas on the parted edges of the batt.

Abstract: In a method of breaking an optical fiber, wherein the fiber is scored transversely and tensioned to cause a crack to propagate completely across the fiber, tension sufficient to cause the crack to propagate is applied after, but not during, the scoring step. During the scoring step the fiber is subjected to a controlled tension insufficient to sever the scored fiber. The resulting broken fiber ends generally are flat and perpendicular, and thus suitable for making low-loss interconnections. Preferred apparatus for breaking the fiber has a common actuator providing sequential control of individual means for locating, scoring and tensioning the fiber. The common actuator may be rotational, facilitating powered operation by a drive motor, and may be adjustable axially to enable accurate adjustment of the position at which the fiber is scored. In one, preferred, embodiment suitable for breaking a fiber at a predetermined distance from a connector already attached to it, the connector skirt screws onto a bush.

Abstract: Method for partitioning and/or shaping a fibrous batt by gripping the batt along adjacent lines with resilient means gripping one surface and non-resilient means gripping the opposite surface and displacing said lines with respect to each other to separate the batt without compacting the parted edges of the batt.

Abstract: Apparatus for partitioning and/or shaping a fibrous batt by gripping the batt along adjacent lines with resilient means gripping one surface and non-resilient means gripping the opposite surface and displacing said lines with respect to each other to separate the batt without compacting the parted edges of the batt.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling a bandolier comprising detachment means for detaching an end block-embracing portion of the bandolier and feed means for intermittently feeding the bandolier to the detachment means so that each successive operation of the detachment means detaches a single end block-embracing portion from the remainder of the bandolier. These blocks are fed to a transplanter machine on which the bandolier handling assembly is mounted.

Abstract: A gripping arrangement for removing laminated circuit boards from the lamination region of an automatic laminating apparatus includes a gripping element which grasps the board after a predetermined portion has emerged from the apparatus. A carriage is simultaneously actuated to impose a displacement force on the laminate to assist in withdrawing it from the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for feeding plant cells in a planting machine, whereby a unified line of cells consisting of plant cells connected to each other is detached from a unified cell sheetcomprising plant cells, the unified line of cells is shifted downwards on upwards through cutting apparatus which direct a cutting effect at the joints between the individual plant cells in the unified line of cellseither from the same direction or from the opposite direction as compared with the direction from which the plant cells are supported during the shifting, in order to cut the cells in the line of cells loose from each other, and the detached plant cells are passed to a distributor in order to feed the plant cells as separated from each other to the planting device. The cutting loose of the plant cells takes place totally automatically when the plant cells are shifted from the cell sheet to the distributor, and does not require any extra movements for cutting loose.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning and/or shaping a fibrous batt by gripping the batt along adjacent lines with resilient means gripping one surface and non-resilient means gripping the opposite surface and displacing said lines with respect to each other to separate the batt without compacting the parted edges of the batt.

Abstract: An apparatus for consistently severing an optical fiber to a precise predetermined length required for use in a connector assembly comprising axially-aligned and spaced-apart first and second clamp means for holding the optical fiber being severed. Means is provided for axially displacing the clamp means relative to each other and for placing the optical fiber under axial tension. A first scoring means intermediate the respective clamp means at a given predetermined distance from the first clamp means is provided for scoring or scribing the optical fiber while it is subjected to the axial tension to produce a break therein at the given predetermined distance from the first clamp means. A second scoring means may also be provided intermediate the respective clamp means at a different predetermined distance from the first clamp means for alternatively producing a break in an optical fiber at a different predetermined distance from the first clamp means.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method make it extremely easy for a worker, even when located in a manhole or on a telephone pole, to rapidly achieve a perfect break in an optical fiber and at a precisely predetermined position relative to a connector means. The breaking is the same, regardless of the upright, inverted or inclined position of the tool. Only a single motion of the blade is required at any desired speed, and there is no necessity for the blade to contact the fiber at a pressure within certain limits. These and other major results are obtained by clamping an optical connector element to the optical fiber before breaking is effected, and then removably securing the connector element to the breaker at a precisely known position which is correlated to the location of the scoring blade and to the characteristics of the connector.

Abstract: An improvement in continuous-rod making machines comprises a rod-breaking mechanism, particularly for a composite filter rod, which has spaced grippers for gripping the rod and accelerating it in a generally lengthwise direction. In a preferred construction a pivoted segment carries the grippers and cam means is provided for moving the grippers together as the segment is itself moved. The segment may carry a deflector for directing the rod to waste and means may be provided for releasing the leading part of the rod after it has been broken. The new leading end of the rod on a conveyor band passes to a rod-receiving member, which may be the entry to a rod cut-off mechanism or rod-measuring device.

Abstract: In an apparatus for separating the forward margin of a sheet which is joined along a parting line and is held at the forward margin by grippers of a transport means and having upper and lower separating tools disposed above and below the parting line and movable with respect to one another, the improvement comprising an anvil disposed at the underside of the sheet to be separated and which is mounted for movement with respect to the lower separating tool and for co-action with the upper separating tool to form a pair of gripper jaws for the sheet which is movable with the gripped sheet with respect to the lower separating tool during the separating action.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of separating and stacking sheets of paper, cardboard and the like, which are delivered from a sheet punching machine and consist of useful and waste portions connected together by small fillets, comprising the steps of laying and separating a specific number of sheets on a severing table of a useful portion separating station; interrupting the supply of sheets; lowering the table with a stack of separated sheets; withdrawing the table from under the stack and laying the stack on a pallet situated therebelow; setting the table in place and raising same; removing the pallet with the stack and introducing a new pallet with simultaneous resumption of the cycle of steps.

Abstract: A tool for breaking an optical fibre comprises an elongate base member and an elongate top member pivotally connected at a rear end. An elongate cam member slides longitudinally in the base member, being actuated by pivotting of the top member. At the front end of the base member are a front pair of opposed gripping jaws and a further, rear, pair of gripping jaws are spaced from the front jaws. A bending member is positioned between the two pairs of jaws. Pivotting of the top member towards the base member actuates the cam member which in turn first closes the front jaws, then the rear jaws. The rear jaws then pivot backwards to tension the fibre and then the bending member moves up to cause the fibre to bend over an arcuate top surface. Finally a pivotally mounted scoring member in the top member is actuated to sweep a sharp edge across the fibre to initiate a crack, which propagates across the fibre.

Abstract: A tool for preparing the ends of optical fiber waveguides prior to such operations as coupling and splicing. The tool is adapted for single-handed operation and comprises a pair of manually actuated handles, first and second fiber supporting surfaces, and a third fiber supporting surface between the first and second surfaces. The optical fiber waveguide is secured to the first and second surfaces by a pair of clamping members which are responsive to the squeezing of the handles. Once the fiber waveguide is secured to the surfaces, further squeezing of the handles produces separating rotation of a pair of jaw members to put the fiber under tensile stress. A cutting blade suspended above the third surface is released to produce a peripheral microcrack on a portion of the optical fiber waveguide lying on the third fiber supporting surface.

Abstract: The individual cardboard box blanks of strings of blanks connected by scored, frangible bridge portions are separated by stacking the multiple blanks, clamping the stack of leading individual blanks to a vibratory support and the stack of the remainder of the blanks to a stationary feed table in such a position that the connecting bridge portions are free to flex and ultimately break when the support is oscillated about a position in which the blank-carrying surfaces of the support and of the table are spacedly aligned in a common plane.

Abstract: A tool for preparing the ends of optical fiber waveguides prior to such operations as splicing is disclosed. The tool is adapted for single-handed operation and comprises a pair of manually actuated handles, first and second fiber-supporting surfaces, and a third fiber-supporting surface interjacent the first and second. The optical fiber waveguide is secured to the first and second surfaces by a pair of clamps which are responsive to the squeezing of the handles.Once the fiber waveguide is secured to the surfaces, further squeezing of the handle produces separating rotation of a pair of jaw members to stress the fiber. A cutting blade, suspended above the third surface, is released by the manual actuation of a thumb latch positioned on the tool in alignment with the natural position of the operator's thumb when the handles are being squeezed.

Abstract: A device for severing a dielectric optical waveguide comprising at least one dielectric optical waveguide clamping means for holding a portion of said dielectric optical waveguide against an anvil means, means for applying a constant force to said anvil means independent of displacement of said anvil means so that a pre-set tension is applied to said dielectirc optical waveguide, and knife means for engaging said dielectric optical waveguide and initiating a fracture through said dielectric optical waveguide.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing the ends of a plurality of parallel optical fibers so that the endfaces thereof are relatively flat, are substantially perpendicular to the fiber axes and are relatively coplanar. The fibers are bent over an arcuate surface and are slidably clamped between the flat surfaces of two pieces of rubbery material. The clamp is urged by a spring in such a direction that the fibers are in tension. After one fiber is scored and breaks, the clamp automatically slides along the remaining fibers until the clamping force on those fibers is sufficient to prevent further sliding. The fibers are individually severed in this manner.