Abstract: An apparatus for handling a magnet handles a plurality of split magnets obtained by sequentially splitting a magnet to be split from one end thereof. The apparatus for handling a magnet is equipped with a mechanism which arranges a split magnet with respect to a previously split magnet so that the magnets are put on top of one another and the corresponding irregularities of a pair of split surfaces thereof are arranged opposite each other. The apparatus for handling a magnet is also equipped with a section where the plurality of split magnets are arranged.

Abstract: An auto-breaking machine for breaking a base band from terminals of a connector includes a positioning assembly positioning the connector, a feeding assembly driving the positioning assembly to deliver the connector, and a breaking assembly including a motor, an adjusting part connected with the motor, a drive member fastened to the adjusting part and having a front defined as a drive post with an adjustable offset distance between the axis thereof and that of the motor, a slider slidably mounted to a support holder and defining a window having a height corresponding to the diameter of the drive post, and a breaking part fastened on the slider. The drive post is inserted in the window to drive the slider to slide up and down via the turn thereof and further drive the breaking part to move up and down so as to break off the base band from the terminals.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a tearing device of a continuous ribbon of paper material to be supplied on rewinding machines and a method for tearing the same ribbon. The device comprises mechanical tearing means to cause the tearing of the ribbon in correspondence of at least one perforation and weakening line of the same. The mechanical tearing means comprise an interception portion suitable for engaging, at least temporarily, the structure of the continuous ribbon, to cause it to break. The mechanical tearing means are mobile between a non operative position, in which the interception portion does not engage the ribbon, and an operative position, in which the interception portion engages the ribbon transversally until it causes it to break along a respective perforation and weakening line.

Abstract: In the method for cutting a continuously moving glass sheet with an inhomogeneous thickness distribution across the glass sheet, a cutting tool is moved across it at an angle to its travel direction to form a fissure and then the glass sheet is broken along the fissure. To avoid premature breakage in thin regions the applied cutting force is controlled by a controller based on control commands so that the cutting force is decreased when the glass sheet thickness decreases and is increased when it increases. In a preferred embodiment cutting force switchover points are based on an initial measurement of the thickness distribution. In another embodiment the thickness is continuously measured and the applied cutting force is automatically adjusted accordingly, so that the cutting force is greater when the thickness is greater and vice versa.

Abstract: An automatic cutting device is described for cutting an assembly. The assembly includes a material having a weakened zone therein that defines a useful layer and being attached to a source substrate. The cutting device includes a cutting mechanism and a holding and positioning mechanism operatively associated with the cutting mechanism. The holding and positioning mechanism positions the material so that the cutting mechanism detaches the layer from the source substrate along the weakened zone. The cutting device also includes a control mechanism for adjusting at least two different portions of the assembly during detachment of the layer to facilitate a more precise detachment.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes an axle having a plurality of spaced-apart interior annular rings. A roll of bags are wound about the axle and a rod is insertable into the axle. When inserted into the axle, the rod engages at least one of the annular rings to connect the rod to the axle.

Abstract: A blanking tool includes a lower blanking frame and a receiver tool. The lower blanking frame includes running rails and cross rails. A first cross rail extends substantially perpendicular to the first running rail and coupled to first and second running rails. A second cross rail is disposed substantially parallel to the first cross rail and coupled to the first and second running rails. The receiver tool includes receiver rails mounting assemblies. A first receiver rail is alongside and coupled to the first running rail. A second receiver rail is alongside and coupled to the second running rail. The second receiver rail is coupled to the second mounting assembly that is further operably coupled to the first frame member, and is further disposed on the second frame member. The mounting assemblies slide along the slot relative to one another when the mounting assemblies have an unlocked operational position.

Abstract: A transfer-enabling apparatus, produced by a method of manufacturing, includes a substrate patterned with islands separated by trenches and an epitaxial layer, grown at least on the islands, providing semiconductor dice in such a configuration partially released from said substrate and suspended over the substrate, and interconnected, by anchors of epitaxial or other material that are attached to the substrate. The anchors are of width less than or equal to than the semiconductor dice and define fracture zones at connections of the anchors with the semiconductor dice.

Abstract: An ampoule opener having a receiving body sized to accommodate a cap portion of an ampoule and a shield extending from the receiving body and being configured to lie adjacent a medicament storing portion of the ampoule when the cap portion of the ampoule is accommodated within the receiving body. The shield is rigidly related to the receiving body so as to be more resistive to bending relative to the receiving body in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the receiving body than toward the longitudinal axis of the receiving body.

Abstract: A respirator mask dispensing system is provided. It includes a carrier material and a plurality of respirator masks mounted in parallel on the carrier material by an adhesive. The carrier material is deformed between adjacent ones of the plurality of respirator masks, the deformation being configured to assist in the tearing of the carrier material at points of deformation. The carrier material with the plurality of respirator masks as mounted therein is wound on the central core member to provide a continuous roll The adhesive bonds more strongly with the respirator masks than the carrier material such that when an individual respirator mask is removed from the carrier material the adhesive will separate from the carrier material and remain attached to the individual respirator mask.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing individual blanks from a foil web and their transport are disclosed. The foil web is fed with a first conveyor to a device for producing at least one potential parting line. The formed individual blanks are transferred with a second conveyor and fed for further processing. A tear in the individual blank is formed in the area of a guide system of the second conveyor.

Abstract: A sheet roll dispenser includes a roll carrier and a restraining device. The roll carrier is configured to support an associated roll of fibrous sanitary tissue product, e.g. a roll of paper towels or a roll of toilet paper. The roll carrier includes a mouth adjacent a sheet roll outlet of the case. The restraining device is located on the mouth of the roll carrier and includes a plurality of flexible fibers having distal ends defining a fiber tip curve. A method for dispensing sheet roll material and a fluid dispenser for use with the sheet roll dispenser are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for activating destruction of window glass. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for remotely destroying a glass by providing a glass window having a resonant vibration frequency; identifying a frequency channel on the glass window; positioning a resonator at or near the embedded frequency channel, the resonator providing one of an acoustical vibration or mechanical vibration to the glass window, the acoustical vibration or mechanical vibration substantially matching the resonant frequency of the glass window; detecting an external event necessitating destruction of the window glass; activating the resonator to deliver the acoustical vibration or mechanical vibration substantially matching the resonant frequency of the glass to the frequency channel.

Abstract: A component for peeling the coating and breaking the optical fiber, which comprises the first member made of resin material including a groove portion enabling to receive a coated optical fiber, an optical fiber cutting blade and a coat removing blade integrally formed within the groove portion, and a breaking portion in an intermediate portion, and the second member made of resin material including a groove portion corresponding to the groove portion in the first member enabling to receive a coated optical fiber, a coat removing blade corresponding to the coat removing blade in the first member, and a breaking portion in an intermediate portion corresponding to the breaking portion in the first member.

Abstract: Apparatus for causing paper webs to tear off within rewinding machines, the web (2) being provided, at regular intervals, with transverse perforation which subdivide the web into sheets joined to each other but able to be separated in correspondence of said perforation lines, the apparatus comprising means to cause the tearing of the web (2) upon the passage of a perforation line (p) which separates the last sheet of a log (RO) in the course of formation from the first sheet of the next log to be formed, characterized in that the tearing means are of pneumatic type (SP) able to direct a jet of compressed air toward the line (p).

Abstract: An arrangement for clamping a thin rod of glass or quartz having a diameter below 1 mm in two mutually-spaced clamping locations for holding the rod extended between the two clamping locations. The arrangement also comprises first clamping device arranged to clamp the rod in a first clamping location. The first clamping device has a first clamping member (22) with a clamp face (23) of substantially V-groove type for receiving the rod in the groove (24). The first clamping member is movably arranged with respect to a framework (45) of the apparatus for clamping a rod.

Abstract: Apparatus for causing paper webs to tear off within rewinding machines, the web (2) being provided, at regular intervals, with transverse perforation which subdivide the web into sheets joined to each other but able to be separated in correspondence of said perforation lines, the apparatus comprising means to cause the tearing of the web (2) upon the passage of a perforation line (p) which separates the last sheet of a log (RO) in the course of formation from the first sheet of the next log to be formed, characterized in that the tearing means are of pneumatic type (SP) able to direct a jet of compressed air toward the line (p).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for activating destruction of window glass. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for remotely destroying a glass by providing a glass window having a resonant vibration frequency; identifying a frequency channel on the glass window; positioning a resonator at or near the embedded frequency channel, the resonator providing one of an acoustical vibration or mechanical vibration to the glass window, the acoustical vibration or mechanical vibration substantially matching the resonant frequency of the glass window; detecting an external event necessitating destruction of the window glass; activating the resonator to deliver the acoustical vibration or mechanical vibration substantially matching the resonant frequency of the glass to the frequency channel.

Abstract: A method of opening an ampoule and an ampoule opening device are disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging material handling device is disclosed. The device includes a first pair of traction members configured for cooperatively engaging a chain of pre-inflated pillows from opposite sides thereof and being operable for driving the chain in the flow direction. The device further includes a second pair of traction members configured for cooperatively engaging the chain from opposite sides thereof. The second pair of traction members are spaced apart from the first pair of traction members along a flow direction and are operable for driving the chain in the flow direction. The first and second pairs of traction members are operable for holding the first and second portions of the chain during a breaking operation. The device further includes a breaking member disposed between the first and second pairs of traction members and movable against the chain across the flow direction in the breaking operation to break the chain for detaching the first portion from the second portion.

Abstract: An ampoule opener (1) has a cylindrical body portion (10) with a cavity (11) at an end thereof adapted to receive at least part of the head portion (53) of an ampoule (50). A retaining mechanism, such as an resiliently expandable O-ring (30), is provided at the entrance to the cavity (11) for retaining the head portion (53) at least partially within the cavity (11) after it has been inserted therein. The head portion (53) may be detached from the remainder of the ampoule (50) by holding the ampoule (50) in a first hand with the head portion uppermost, holding the cylindrical body portion (10) having the head portion (53) retained therein in the other hand with the thumb uppermost, and causing relative movement between the body portion (10) and the ampoule (50). The ampoule opener (1) includes a plunger (20) for ejecting the head portion (53) from the cavity after it has been detached.

Abstract: Apparatus for causing paper webs to tear off within rewinding machines, the said web (2) being provided, at regular intervals, with transverse perforation which subdivide the web into sheets joined to each other but able to be separated in correspondence of said perforation lines, the apparatus comprising means to cause the tearing of the web (2) upon the passage of a perforation line (p) which separates the last sheet of a log (RO) in the course of formation from the first sheet of the next log to be formed, characterized in that the said tearing means are of pneumatic type (SP) able to direct a jet of compressed air toward the said line (p).

Abstract: A wire frame plastic bag dispenser includes an angled lower bag roll support urging perforated, rolled plastic bags toward a bag roll restraining element attached to the frame. A constraining movement element prevents lateral movement of the bag roll. A perforation parting means separates bags as they are pulled from the roll. The bags may be folded along at least one vertical axis to form a more compact bag roll and may have a chisel cut in the perforation to aid in separation by the perforation parting means. The frame includes four corners each of approximately 90 degrees, has a C shape in a horizontal plane, and includes a dispensing end, a back end, and two sides. The lower bag roll support includes a proximal end attached to the back end and extends downwardly to a distal end. The perforation parting means may be located outwardly from the dispensing end of the frame.

Abstract: An improved ticket dispensing apparatus to efficiently and expeditiously control the separation and dispensing of tickets from a continuous strip of tickets. Once a ticket selection is made, a control circuit activates the dispensing mechanism for dispensing the selected number of tickets. The strip of tickets is drawn into engagement with a pair of drive rollers and forced into engagement with a downstream deflector plate. Once a measured and predetermined ticket length has been met, the direction of movement for the drive rollers is reversed and a unidirectional clutch engaged. The clutch rotates a deflector plate used to force the strip of tickets into engagement with a stationary cutting blade along a perforated line scored in the ticket strip so that the desired number of tickets are separated from the ticket strip.

Abstract: The tool consists of a strip of cardboard (1A, 1B) with a hole (3) in an intermediate position and at least one weakening for a transverse fold (5) coinciding with said hole, so as to delimit two facing leaves (1A, 1B); the neck of the vial (F) is introduced into the hole (3) and the leaves (1A, 1B) are able to be arranged alongside the neck (C) of the vial and receive the action of the fingers (fT) in order to break said neck.

Abstract: A tablet cutter is formed by a cutting edge mounted on the bottom of a hollow column in perpendicular thereto and a transparent top plate mounted on the top of the hollow column to close the top thereof, a convex edge fixing head and an edge bearing head on a concave side surface of the hollow column which conforms to the head so that the contacting area of the head and the edge bearing head to which impact is transferred upon cutting action. The width in a horizontal direction of the edge bearing head and the edge fixing head is larger than that of the edge bearing body and the edge fixing body, and these elements are covered with a cover having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the hollow column.

Abstract: A wafer dividing apparatus for dividing a wafer whose strength is reduced along a plurality of dividing lines, along the dividing lines, which comprises a tape holding means for holding a protective tape affixed to one side of the wafer; and wafer dividing means, each comprising a plurality of tension application means comprising a first suction-holding member and a second suction-holding member for suction-holding the wafer held on the tape holding means through the protective tape on both sides of a dividing line, and moving means for moving the first suction-holding members and the second suction-holding members in such directions that they separate from each other.

Abstract: A printer tear bar and presenter system for printing on a strip of media and presenting a portion of the media to a user. The media comprises a plurality of perforations and a plurality of bridges of connecting material separating the perforations. The tear bar comprises first and second side portions and a center portion. The side portions and the center portions are adapted to abut the surface of the media so that friction creates stress on the bridges of connecting material. The first and second side portions are preferably tapered to concentrate tearing stress on corresponding bridges of connecting material. The printer and control circuitry are adapted to advance the media rapidly after the printer has finished printing to prevent users from pulling on the media prematurely.

Abstract: A glass ampoule for packaging and containing solid matter under sterile conditions, the glass ampoule comprising an integral glass body having a breaking section, the breaking section being breakable to define an opening large enough to easily remove the matter.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser includes a number of ticket bins mounted in a housing of the dispenser. The ticket bins hold a fanfold stack of tickets proximate a transparent front panel of the dispenser for optimum visibility. The ticket bins are adjustably mounted in the dispenser for proper positioning in one of a variety of positions depending upon the size and configuration of the stack of fanfold tickets. The tickets are transported from the ticket stack upwardly over a guide by a ticket transport mechanism for processing by a powered separator to separate the adjacent tickets apart prior to dispensing. Excessive stress is not placed on the tickets which in prior art dispensers resulted in prematurely bursting the perforated joints apart or damaging the tickets.

Abstract: A tablet splitter includes a tablet bed having a bed body with a tablet holding structure for holding a tablet. A base is included having a base side wall with an outer perimeter. The side wall surrounds a recess extending along a longitudinal axis. The recess is shaped for receiving and retaining the bed body of the tablet bed. A cap having a cap side wall engages and slides over the outer perimeter of the base side wall along the longitudinal axis. The cap has an interior with a first splitting member positioned therein for engaging and splitting tablets held by the tablet bed.

Abstract: A wire frame plastic bag dispenser includes an angled lower bag roll support urging perforated, rolled plastic bags toward a bag roll restraining element attached to the frame. A constraining movement element prevents lateral movement of the bag roll. A perforation parter separates bags as they are pulled from the roll. The bags may be folded along at least one vertical axis to form a more compact bag roll and may have a chisel cut in the perforation to aid in separation by the perforation parter. The frame includes four corners each of approximately 90 degrees, has a C shape in a horizontal plane, and includes a dispensing end, a back end, and two sides. The lower bag roll support includes a proximal end attached to the back end and extends downwardly to a distal end. The perforation parter may be located outwardly from the dispensing end of the frame.

Abstract: A method for splitting tablets includes positioning a plurality of tablets onto a supporting structure. Each of the plurality of tablets are then substantially simultaneously split into at least two parts. Finally, if desired, the at least two parts of each tablet are dispensed into a compartment of a corresponding one of a plurality of first capsule portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for stretching the foil (2) of a foil carrier (1), the foil being connected to a frame (3), which tool comprises a circular inner body (6) and a circular outer body (7), the foil being stretched by supporting the frame with at least one body and moving one body with respect to the other body in axial direction, the inner body extending in the outer body, wherein coupling means (10) are provided, which couples during a rotational movement from one body in relation to the other, and which converts this rotational movement into the required axial movement stretching the foil (2). The invention furthermore also relates to a machine and a method for removing dies from a foil carrier.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate and an apparatus for processing a substrate are provided, where a substrate can be prevented from being damaged during conveyance of the substrate, including turning over of the substrate, and the apparatus for processing a substrate having this mechanism for conveying a substrate is miniaturized, so that the area for installment can be reduced.

Abstract: A packaging structure and method for a light emitting diode is provided. The present invention uses flip-chip and eutectic bonding technology to attach a LED to a thermal and electrical conducting substrate. The flip-chip packaging structure comprises a thermal and electrical conducting substrate having an insulating layer formed in an appropriate area on the top surface of the substrate and a bonding pad formed on top of the insulating layer; and a LED reversed in a flip-chip style and joined to the substrate by eutectic bonding. A first electrode of the LED is eutectically bonded to an appropriate area on the top surface of the substrate via a eutectic layer, while a second electrode of the LED is electrically connected to the bonding pad.

Abstract: A sheet of brittle material, such as glass, flat or bowed, is separated along a score line by applying fluid energy (compressed gas or liquid) through a fluid applicator such as a nozzle or directional fluid motivator, into a scored sheet material. A separation time of less than 1 second is possible with smooth edge quality. The brittle material can be in the form of a moving ribbon of glass sheet or a stationary sheet. A load (tension) can be applied transverse to the score line to enhance crack propagation along the score line. A controller controls the fluid pressure, release time and other process parameters for best results, depending on material properties and structure.

Abstract: An improved ticket dispensing apparatus to efficiently and expeditiously control the separation and dispensing of tickets from a continuous strip of tickets. Once a ticket selection is made, a control circuit activates the dispensing mechanism for dispensing the selected number of tickets. The strip of tickets is drawn into engagement with a pair of drive rollers and forced into engagement with a downstream deflector plate. Once a measured and predetermined ticket length has been met, the direction of movement for the drive rollers is reversed and a unidirectional clutch engaged. The clutch rotates a deflector plate used to force the strip of tickets into engagement with a stationary cutting blade along a perforated line scored in the ticket strip so that the desired number of tickets are separated from the ticket strip.

Abstract: A stripping device for stripping a waste piece from a sheet of material, which includes a stripping member with a connecting portion, a supporting finger located on one side of the connecting portion, and a stripping finger located on another side of the connecting portion. The supporting finger has one end connected to a frame and is movable about its end with respect to the frame. The stripping finger has a stripping end portion, which is biased away from the supporting finger and contacts the waste piece at an angle. The supporting finger is deflected away from the waste piece and the stripping end portion is moved further away from the supporting finger and against the waste piece to strip it from the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for cutting solid medications, whether in the form of capsules, tablets or pills. When cutting capsules, the capsules are retained to be divided by a first blade. Tablets and other forms of the medication are retained by pill stabilizers and cut by a second blade. The device also may have a pill crusher and a section to hold whole or divided medications.

Abstract: A wafer dividing apparatus for dividing along dividing lines a wafer whose strength is reduced, along the dividing lines, comprising a tape holding means for holding a protective tape affixed to one surface side of the wafer; and a wafer dividing means comprising a first suction-holding member and a second suction-holding member, both having a holding surface for suction-holding the wafer held on the tape holding means through the protective tape on both sides of a dividing line through the protective tape, and a moving means for moving the first suction-holding member and the second suction-holding member in directions that they separate from each other, wherein the holding surface of the first suction-holding member and the holding surface of the second suction-holding member are inclined such that they descend or ascend toward their side edges that are opposed to each other.

Abstract: The package opening device is an adhesive strip adapted for mounting on a cover of a package, the adhesive strip having a gripping member allowing the user to pull on the gripping member to tear at least a portion of the cover of the package. The package opening device includes a base strip having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an upper surface, and a lower surface. An adhesive layer at least partially covers the distal portion of the lower surface of the base strip, and the uncovered proximal portion forms the gripping member. Further, a release liner may be provided for covering the adhesive layer prior to application to the cover of the package. Alternatively, a plurality of adhesive strips may be provided, with the plurality of adhesive strips being joined together by a line, with user-generated tension in the line creating the tearing force.

Abstract: A fiber cleaver is provided which is capable of cleaving a glass fiber portion in a short time without depending on a particular working environment. The fiber cleaver comprises a holding member for holding a glass fiber portion of an optical fiber, a cutter for affording a scratch to the glass fiber portion which is held by the holding member, an elastic member or spring for moving the cutter, and a slider engaging member for maintaining the elastic member or spring in a state of elastic deformation. Also provided is a fiber cleaver comprising a holding member for holding the glass fiber portion of an optical fiber, a cutter for affording a scratch to the glass fiber portion held by the holding member, and a holder engaging part for holding a holder that holds an optical fiber at its part having a protective covering. The holder engaging part has a first holder engaging member for pushing and holding the holder in a direction parallel to a movement direction of the cutter.

Abstract: A starting point for cleavage made up of at least one of a groove and a through hole is formed on a chip dividing line or a dicing line along the cleaved surface of a wafer. Liquid matter is injected into the starting point. Then, the liquid matter is changed by applying an external factor that changes the liquid matter physically. Making use of the change, the wafer is cleaved so as to divide the wafer into semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A pill splitter splits a pill in quarters along a major axis and a minor axis The pill splitter has a lower body, and an upper body, integrally affixed to the lower body. A rotating bed receptacle is rotatingly affixed in the pill splitter, and contains a bed substantially conforming to the pill shape. A membrane, disposed below the bed, contains a cruciate cutout into which are formed a major axis slit and a minor axis slit. A long, thin cutting blade is disposed below and in proximity to the bed receptacle. In use the, receptacle is rotated to a position so that the cutting blade is disposed beneath the one axis slit and beneath the corresponding axis of the pill. A blow struck to a plunger aligned with the blade by plunger slots and guides cuts the pill along the chosen axis.

Abstract: A series of roll mounted bags and dispensers are described. The bags may be folded along at least one axis and rolled. The compact roll of bags is placed in various dispensers. As the upper portion of the first bag is pulled from the roll, the roll will rotate, presenting the succeeding bag for dispensing after the first bag is removed. Variations of the dispenser include one with a bag opening means with a mounting member and bag opening element causing the bags to open as they are pulled from the dispenser. The dispenser includes mechanisms for supporting the bag roll and constraining its movement along its horizontal axis. Another variation of the dispenser has a perforation parting means that facilitates separation of one bag from a subsequent bag. The dispenser may be removably attached to a dispenser support that attaches to a surface.

Abstract: A method of operating a flying shear for cutting a rolled strip, which includes at least one drum provided with a blade, includes synchronizing a peripheral speed of the blade with a feed rate of the rolled strip, and cutting the rolled strip by effecting a partial penetration of the blade in the rolled strip to produce a weakened location of the rolled strip, and by tearing the rolled strip at the weakened location by a tensile force.

Abstract: A pill box having a base, a lid with a blade, and a blade guard. The base has a bottom side to which the blade guard is coupled. The base also has a top side with a pill storage compartment, a pill cutting surface, and a pill grip coupled to the pill cutting surface. The lid has a top side and a bottom side with the bottom side having a blade coupled to it. The lid is coupled to the base by one or more hinges.

Abstract: Wiping material dispenser apparatus includes a basic housing that receives an articulated cover and a cartridge including two transverse flanges. An upper part of the flanges receives a roll of material and a lower part thereof receives a first blade-holder drum and a second return drum, the drums receiving crown wheels for the connection thereof. The return drum receives a third crown wheel that co-operates with the drum rotation actuation mechanism which includes a fixed cam. The blade-holder arm is provided with transmission means that involve the use of a mobile cam which actuates the cutting blade. The fixed and mobile cams co-operate with one another, defining the trajectory of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating glass panels that minimizes process failures and improves separation process consistency by utilizing a separation handle which applies the minimal pressure necessary to remove the edge portion from the glass panel. The glass panel is cut along the score line, which outlines the edge portions of the glass panel to be removed. The panel is placed upon the separating apparatus, which pumps nitrogen along the underside of the glass panel, causing the glass panel to float above the apparatus. Locating pins are inserted to position the panel on the stage. Once the glass panel is in place, a vacuum sucks the panel against the stage, holding the panel tightly against the stage. The separation handle is then inserted over the edge portion to be removed. A measured force is applied to the handle, with the force incrementally increased until the slow, controllable separation of the edge is achieved. This level of force is maintained until separation is complete.