Abstract: A saw blade for a machine tool driven oscillatingly about a longitudinal axis has at least one cutting edge, on which, at least in part, abrasive particles are provided. The saw blade is suitable, in particular, for sawing fiber composites.

Abstract: A microtome has a knife and a specimen holder for a specimen. The specimen holder can be adjusted relative to the knife. A safety device for the knife is provided, which is adjustable between a protective position, in which it covers the knife at least partially, and a release position, in which it releases the knife. Status parameters of the microtome are detected by means of a sensor and analyzed in a control device. A driving device, by means of which the safety device can be brought at least from the release position into the protective position, is associated with the safety device. The driving device can be actuated by the control device as a function of at least one status parameter of the microtome.

Abstract: A medical device that can be wrapped around a segment of an artery downstream of an arteriovenous fistula. The wrap, when used in this manner, creates a stenosis for reducing retrograde flow at the fistula. Sutures are positioned in holes present in the upper and lower halves or connecting ends of the wrap, after which the sutures are pulled to oppose the two sides in order to create a stenosis. When the surgeon is satisfied that the stenosis is appropriate, the sutures are tied in place.

Abstract: A method of producing a document of value, the method including providing a single lamina or multi-laminate sheet carrying data relating to one or more documents of value; selecting the shape of at least part of the edge of the or each document using the data relating to the document; and operating a cutting tool to cut out the or each security document from the sheet by cutting along the edge of the or each security document such that the at least part of the edge has the selected shape.

Abstract: The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using a linear cutting assembly having a linear cutter arm that moves in an arc and pivots about an attachment point. The object is cut by a severing action caused by a moveable blade of the linear cutting arm moving back and forth across a stationary blade of the linear cutter arm. An underwater vehicle modified to incorporate an embodiment of the linear cutting assembly can cut a sufficiently large opening in the object to allow the vehicle to pass through.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing an abandoned marine platform from a seabed having an upper surface or mud line. The platform extends typically below the seabed and mud line. In order to remove the platform, frame sections are lowered to the seabed with a lift device. A movable cutter cable is fitted to the frame sections. At least a part of the cutter cable is positioned below the mud line. The cutter cable is moved relative to the frame sections to cut the platform below the mud line. Such movement can be a back and forth movement wherein the cutter cable moves in a first direction, stops and then moves in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction. A lifting device can employ two vessels and two frames, each frame bridging from one vessel to the other. Winches can be used to provide movement to the cutter cable. These same winches can take up cable slack as cutting moves from one platform member (e.g. leg, jacket leg, piling, etc) to another.

Abstract: An entrance floor system is provided. The entrance floor system includes a base mat and a plate. The base mat has opposing bottom and top surfaces. The bottom surface of the base mat is configured to rest on a floor surface. The plate has opposing bottom and top surfaces. The bottom surface of the plate is configured to rest on the top surface of the base mat. The top surface of the plate has a border region and a non-border region. The non-border region is substantially parallel with the bottom surface of the plate and the non-border region has a pattern machined therein. The pattern includes a plurality of slots. At least one slot is configured to receive fluid and debris. The top surface of the plate in the border region includes a transition from the floor surface to the non-border region of the top surface of the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are pliers and related methods for punching a hole in a non-flat material without distorting the material. Such pliers may comprise a first member having a first handle and a first jaw, and a second member having a second handle and a second jaw. The first and second members are attached at a connection point to permit pivoting in response to a squeezing force on the handles. The first jaw comprises a punch tip to be received by the second jaw, where the punch tip may have an angled distal end truncating a cross-section of the punch tip. The second jaw comprises a shaped edge facing the punch tip and extending along a length of the second jaw, the shaped edge having substantially the same shape as the non-flat material and comprising an opening having substantially the same shape as the cross-section of the punch tip and to receive the tip therein.

Abstract: A template, such as a quilting template, is configured as a relatively thin piece of material having a first circular portion disposed at a first end of the template and a second circular portion disposed at a second end of the template. The template further includes a concave curve portion disposed between the first end and the second end along a first side edge of the template, a linear curve portion disposed between the first end and the second end along a second side edge of the template, and a set of guide markings. In use, a user can utilize the template to cut, for example, heart-shaped, flower-shaped, or leave-shaped elements, from a piece of material. With such a configuration, the template allows the user to cut a variety of differently sized and shaped elements directly from the material, without requiring the creation of multiple patterns.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting labels includes a cutting element for cutting into individual labels a label strip that is provided with a plurality of labels arranged one behind the other in the direction of the length of the label strip. The cutting element has a cutting tool in a first axis, about which the cutting element is rotatable. A counter-pressure roller which serves for the placement of the label strip is rotatable about a second axis arranged parallel to the first axis and has at least one counter-cutting bar which is provided on the outer surface of the counter-pressure roller essentially parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: A hair cutting guide and method for aiding in creating/trimming a human hair into a Mohawk type hairstyle. The Mohawk guide consists of two side pieces, two adjustable spacers/connectors, and two clips. The bottom edges of the two side pieces are contoured to follow the shape of the human head from the start of the hairline to the nape of the neck.

Abstract: A power tool includes a sawing working device of an at least partially flat form and at least one actuator. The sawing working device is configured to produce a sawing cut in a working direction. The at least one actuator is configured to produce at least one oscillation in the sawing working device.

Abstract: Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a razor cartridge comprising: an elongated housing defining a central open area, and, adjacent each short edge of the housing, a clip-receiving aperture and a clip-receiving channel; a plurality of blades disposed within the open area of the housing, and a pair of clips, each clip having a first leg and a second leg, the first leg extending through the clip-receiving aperture and being bent against a lower surface of the housing, and the second leg being wrapped around the housing and seated in the clip-receiving channel. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems and methods of manufacturing these cartridges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a splittable adhesive tape with a left-hand and a right-hand delimiting edge, wherein at least one of these two edges is not straight. The edge that is not straight has rounded projections, which comprise blunt or flattened zones at their furthest-projecting points.

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 combination kitchen device includes a double peeler having a substantially hollow handle having a forward end and a rearward end and a releasably engageable holding tool inserted within the rearward end of the hollow handle. The double peeler includes a head connected transversely to the forward end of the hollow handle. The head has at least one recess, and at least one means for cutting mounted within the recess. The head has an opening having an eye removal cutting edge. The holding tool has a handle portion and an elongated blade portion attached transversely to the handle portion.

Abstract: A photon collimator, suitable for use in medical imaging equipment, is constructed from a block of photon-attenuating material, such as solid tungsten or molybdenum alloy that defines a plurality of integrally formed septa slats. Each slat has an elongated length dimension greater than thickness and depth dimensions, and is oriented in an opposed pattern array that is laterally spaced relative to its respective thickness dimension. An aperture channel is defined between each pair of opposed slats. Rows of integrally formed slats in one block or separately affixed blocks may be stacked on each other at skewed angles to form two-dimensional grids of apertures having polygonal cross sections. The slats may be formed by electric discharge or laser thermal ablation machining, such as by a sequential passing of an EDM wire cutting head along the pattern array, repeating sequential cutting of respective channel depth and width.

Abstract: A guiding instrument for forming a cut in a work piece with a cutting tool includes a base member, a guide member, and an elongated linking member. The base member has an aligning wall and a platform. The aligning wall is configured for alignment with an edge of the work piece. The platform extends outwardly from the aligning wall. The guide member is pivotally coupled to the base member. The elongated linking member extends between the base member and the guide member. The first end of the elongated linking member is coupled to the base member and the second end of the elongated linking member is releasably coupled to at least one of base member and the guide member.

Abstract: A plate configured to contact a web includes a first region having a first characteristic and a second region having a second characteristic different than the first characteristic. The plate has a substantially arcuate wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. A plurality of vacuum holes extends between the inner and outer surfaces and are configured to be in fluid communication with a vacuum source. A vacuum region is adapted to contact the first region of the web and a reduced-vacuum region is adapted to receive the second region of the web. The plurality of vacuum holes are configured such that, when attached to the vacuum source, a vacuum pressure at the vacuum region is greater than a pressure at the reduced-vacuum region so that the first region of the web is held against the plate with a greater force than the second region.

Abstract: The continuous rod cutting system has a base; a rod path; a shear cutting unit mounted to the base and having a cutting jaw operable to cut across the rod path; and two pinch roller units mounted to the base, each on a respective side of the cutting jaw, each having at least one corresponding pair of rollers aligned with the rod path, on opposite sides of the rod path. The rollers being movable relative one another of the corresponding pair, into and out of engagement with the rod path, and each pair of rollers being selectively operable into cooperating opposed rotation in both directions, independently of said relative movement operability, for moving a rod engaged therebetween in a corresponding direction along the rod path and stopping and holding the rod for subsequent cutting by the shear cutting unit.

Abstract: An accessory unit for use with an electronic device is described. Accessory unit includes a front flap and a rear cover. The rear cover includes a recessed portion that defines a chamber and a lip portion. The chamber is configured to receive a consumer electronic device, and the lip portion is configured to hold the consumer electronic device therein by an interference fit that exposes substantially all of a display portion of the consumer electronic product. The front flap can include segments formed from panels with folding regions therebetween, which allow the front flap to fold. Further, an end region of the front flap pivotally couples the front flap to the rear cover, such that the front flap may be moved between open and closed configurations. The front may include magnetic elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of image processing. In one form, the invention relates to image processing as applied to digital processing and/or digitisation of an image and/or photo. In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use in computer controlled knife cutting systems. The present invention uses an ‘auto centre’ feature in association with the tracing of an image to provide a number of advantage.

Abstract: A system, a method and a cutting apparatus may use a bit to cut an object. The apparatus may have a bit connected to a cutting block on a cutting apparatus. The cutting apparatus may rotate about the object while the bit may advance into the object to cut the object. The cutting apparatus may have another bit located opposite to the bit to bevel an edge of the object. The cutting system may reduce point loads and/or provide an equalized load. The cutting system may reduce tool pressures when cutting a pipe and may provide extended tool and/or bit life.

Abstract: The problem of penetrating through nets and other objects is solved by cutting the object using concentric cutters in which a rotatable cutter having floating teeth rotates concentrically about a stationary cutter having fixed teeth. The object is cut by a severing action caused by the floating teeth of the rotatable cutter sliding against the fixed teeth of the stationary cutter. Embodiments of the invention include a UUV system for penetrating through fishing nets and other objects, concentric cutting assemblies for use in the UUV system and other systems, and a method for penetrating through fishing nets and other objects. A UUV system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention has a concentric cutting assembly at the forward end and a propulsor at the aft end. The concentric cutting assembly integrates seamlessly within the UUV housing and is deployed from the forward end of the UUV, enabling the UUV to quickly and efficiently penetrate through objects blocking its path.

Abstract: A powered stem-cutting apparatus includes a top plate having a hole positioned therein. An actuation device is positioned proximate to the top plate, wherein the actuation device is activated by an activation device to move an actuator. A blade is connected to the actuator, wherein the blade is movable along a cutting path, wherein the cutting path intersects an axis of the hole.

Abstract: A production method for producing a thin circularly polarizing plate at a high productivity is provided.

Abstract: Described herein are haircutting patterns for use when cutting hairs, and methods for use therewith. In an embodiment, a haircutting pattern includes a spine and a plurality of threads extending from the spine. The spine is configured to be affixed to hairs and/or a scalp. The threads are configured to be visibly distinguishable among hairs. In certain embodiments, free ends of the threads define a perimeter shape of a haircut and thereby provide a guide for cutting hairs. In certain embodiments, different portions of the threads are different colors, and different perimeter shapes are defined by where different colors end. In certain embodiments, different colored lines on the threads define different perimeter shapes for a haircut.

Abstract: A lens sheet is provided with a lens layer which is formed by arranging lenses, which extend in a y direction as a first direction, in a plurality of lines in an x direction as a second direction which is a direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, and an ink absorbing layer which configures a surface on the opposite side with regard to a surface which is configured by the lens layer, where the thickness of an edge which is an end surface on one side of the lens layer in the x direction is thinner than the thickness of an edge which is an end surface on the other side. In other words, a width of a lens which is formed at the edge is wider than a width of a lens which is formed at the edge.

Abstract: A rolling bearing (6), in particular for the mounting of the shaft of a turbocharger, which rolling bearing includes a bearing ring (1) and a number of rolling bodies (9). The bearing ring (1) is formed from a steel which comprises, as alloy constituents, 0.05 to 0.65 wt % carbon, 0.5 to 5.0 wt % chromium, up to 1.0 wt % molybdenum, up to 1.0 wt % vanadium, and up to 1.0 wt % aluminum. The surface of the bearing ring (1) has a hardened surface layer (2) which comprises nitrites and which comprises a diffusion layer (3) and a connecting layer (4) situated above said diffusion layer. The surface layer (2) has a thickness of up to 1 mm. The invention also relates to a method for producing a corresponding bearing ring (6).

Abstract: A blade cover may include a cover body defining an interior volume, the cover body being configured to receive a cutting implement within the interior volume, a recess is disposed in the cover body, and a slot is disposed through the recess, the slot defining an opening into the interior volume, wherein the slot is configured to receive at least a portion of a blade of the cutting implement and the recess is configured to expose at least a portion of the blade of the cutting implement.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for cutting a facestock on a liner. An anvil roller receives facestock on liner. A cutting roller, under a force, cuts facestock between the cutting roller and the anvil roller. At least one support roller supports the cutting roller and, optionally, the anvil roller, thereby distributing the force into two or more portions and/or subportions, in two or more directions. Apparatuses, methods and kits for preparing a cutting surface of a cutting roller in a facestock cutting apparatus, or for extending the usefulness of a cutting roller. An equalizer roller is provided in a position adjacent to the cutting roller. The equalizer roller has an equalizing surface having a hardness at least as hard as a hardness of the cutting surface. The cutting roller is rotated against the equalizer roller such that the cutting surface is equalized by the equalizing surface.

Abstract: A knife including a blade section having a sharp edge, a J-shaped section, and a handle section connected to the J-shaped section. The J-shaped section may have a bottom portion connected to a stem portion, and a substantially uniform thickness. The sharp edge may have a thickness which is substantially less than the substantially uniform thickness of the J-shaped section. The handle section may have a thickness which is substantially greater than the uniform thickness of the J-shaped section. The blade section, the J-shaped section, and the handle section may be configured so that a person can place an index finger of the person so that an end of the index finger contacts the bottom portion of the J-shaped section and a length of the index finger contacts the stem portion of the J-shaped section, while simultaneously one or more further fingers of the person grip the handle section.

Abstract: A waste strip-removing apparatus for use with a ripsaw that saws an incoming board into one or more usable boards and removes the opposite side edges, which become two waste strips that must be removed and transported to a different destination from that to which the usable board(s) is (are) transported. The apparatus includes two air-blasting units each having one or more air nozzles assigned to each waste strip. The air-blasting units are positioned with respect to a lateral direction by a positioning mechanism so that air directed from the nozzles impinges on the waste strips and moves them laterally away from the usable board(s). The positioning mechanism can include a linear motor having two forcers movable along a platen and respectively attached to air-blasting units.

Abstract: A hair cutting guide/apparatus and method for aiding in creating/trimming a humans hair into a mohawk type hairstyle. The mohawk guide consists of two side pieces, two adjustable spacers/connectors, and two clips. The bottom edges of the two side pieces are contoured to follow the shape of the human head from the start of the hairline to the nape of the neck. The mohawk guide is slid into position with the two clips held open with the front of the guide by the start of the user's hairline. The clips are then released which causes the clips to close via spring tension and thereby grip the hair in between the bottom edges of the clips and the inner surfaces of the two side pieces. With the mohawk guide now securely attached to the user's head, the hair on both sides of the guide is cut. Then the mohawk guide clips are opened and the guide is slid back through the user's hair until the front of the guide is where the end of the the guide was during the previous step.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of using a cutting blade with specific features on a portable cutting device to cut various materials, including profiles formed of wood, ferrous metal, and/or non-ferrous metal, such as pipe or structural members, or other materials known to those skilled in the art. The method includes the step of providing a cutting blade, wherein the cutting blade includes at least one cutting tooth and the cutting tooth includes a positive rake face angle. The method also includes the steps of providing a portable cutting device, installing the cutting blade on the portable cutting device, and using the portable cutting device with the installed cutting blade to cut an object.

Abstract: A ratchet (1) is provided, in particular a ratchet for surgical interventions or a dental ratchet, wherein the ratchet has a handle (2) and a pivot housing (4) arranged thereon, said pivot housing being a flat spiral (6). The spiral (6) is flexible and can be actuated such that the spiral (6) coils up in a plane that is oriented substantially vertically to the pivot axis D. The invention also relates to a torque transmission system which comprises a ratchet (1) and an implant driver. The implant driver has a first portion that is cylindrical and a second portion that is cylindrical or frustoconical, the second portion additionally having a receptacle for a medical tool, a surgical implant or any other object. In this way, an improved ratchet is obtained with which the torque to be applied can be applied to the implant driver in a metered manner.

Abstract: A pneumatically powered pole saw is provided, the pole saw having gas actuated main valves configured for movement between first positions and second positions wherein the gas actuated main valves are located in a main valves assembly fluidly coupled to the piston chamber; and a first pilot valve is configured to send actuating gas through a conduit to the main valves assembly and a second pilot valve is configured to send actuating gas through a conduit to the main valves assembly wherein the cutting blade moves in opposite directions in response to the actuating gas of the first and second pilot valves.

Abstract: An assisted opening mechanism for folding knives, which helps hold the blade in the closed position, as well as, assists in moving the blade toward the open position. The mechanism includes a bar spring seated within one of the handle sides and a contact pin extending from the blade. The bar spring is seated within a recessed cavity formed on one side of the knife handle and engages the contact pin, which extends outward from one side of the blade through an arcuate slot in the handle side.

Abstract: An improvement of a folding knife locking mechanism with an adjustable wedge to remove blade slop. The present mechanism allows for smooth opening and closing of the blade by limiting friction against the blade as it rotates. This knife has a bearing system for low friction blade rotation. Also the leaf strap lock is arranged so that it only comes into contact with the blade at the start of opening and at the end of opening, further limiting the friction forces against the blade. Provided is also an adjustment wedge to remove blade lock slop. In the manufacturing process loose tolerances can be adjusted out using the adjustment wedge. Normal use wear against the stop pins and handles can cause some looseness of the blade which can also be removed by the adjustment wedge.

Abstract: A cutting block and method for cutting food products is provided. The cutting block includes a plurality of parallel blades secured to a support. The blades extend in a direction along the breadth of the support and are arranged in pairs. Each pair of blades is positioned along the height of the support. Each blade in each pair is aligned along the height of the support and spaced apart along the length of the support. Each blade includes a straight first outer portion, a straight second outer portion, and a third middle portion joining the first outer portion to the second outer portion. The third middle portion is inclined relative to the first and second outer portions. The third middle portion includes first and second curved ends connected by a straight portion, wherein the first and second curved ends are each connected to a different one of the first and second outer portions.

Abstract: A miter box fence system includes a fixed vertical portion and a movable portion that may be moved with respect to the fixed vertical portion. The movable portion includes a notch that allows one edge of crown molding to be placed in the notch while the other edge of the crown molding extends towards the fixed vertical portion. The movable portion may be moved with the crown molding in place until the crown molding makes appropriate contact with the bottom of the notch and with the fixed vertical portion. The movable portion may then be secured in place. Because the notch in the movable portion creates a stop for cutting crown molding, and because the notch is below the flat portion of the movable portion, the miter box fence system may be used to cut both crown molding and flat stock without modification.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaving facial hair comprising cutting mechanism(s) that may be guided by image capturing devices, lasers, or imaging sensors to provide a user with one of a number of pre-programmed facial bearded shapes. The apparatus may include a pre-programmed application built into the apparatus, allowing the user to select from a number of predetermined facial hair styles and designs such as of goatees, beards, and mustaches. The apparatus would only allow the cutting mechanism(s) to make contact with the surface of the face at pre-determined points identified by the selected program.

Abstract: A rod cutter apparatus includes a rod holding plate having a rod opening for receiving a rod to be cut; a cutting member having a central opening defined by a cutting edge, the central opening being substantially aligned with the rod opening; and a drive assembly connected between the rod holding plate and the cutting member to cause oscillation of the cutting member relative to the rod holding plate, wherein oscillation of the cutting member relative to the rod holding plate cuts a rod in the rod opening.

Abstract: A substrate is for use in a display device. The substrate may include a plurality of non-uniform surface portions, the non-uniform surface portions being spaced from each other and including a first non-uniform surface portion and a second non-uniform surface portion. The substrate may further include a plurality of substantially uniform surface portions having a molecular structure that is more uniform than a molecular structure of the plurality of non-uniform surface portions, the substantially uniform surface portions being spaced from each other and including a first substantially uniform surface portion that abuts each of the first non-uniform surface portion and the second non-uniform surface portion.

Abstract: A sample sectioning device includes a cutting mechanism, a sample holder, a drive system, and a surface orientation sensor. The sample holder is operable to hold a sample. The cutting mechanism is operable to cut sections from the sample. The drive system is coupled with the sample holder. The drive system is operable to drive movement between the sample held by the sample holder and the cutting mechanism. The surface orientation sensor is operable to sense an orientation of a surface of the sample held by the sample holder.

Abstract: A buffer layer can be used in conjunction with a cutting table to reduce cutting tool wear. During use, a first surface of the buffer layer can rest on a top surface of the cutting table, and a second surface of the buffer layer can receive a material to be cut. The buffer layer can include one or more channels in its second surface, and the one or more channels can correspond to a pattern to be cut from the material. The depth of the one or more channels can be sufficient to provide a clearance depth between a tip of the cutting tool and a bottom surface of each of the one or more channels. The clearance depth can prevent the tip of the cutting tool from wearing against the bottom surface of the channels, thereby increasing life expectancy of the cutting tool and reducing process costs.

Abstract: A method of slicing food comprises providing a cutting board, knife, food product, and a food slicing system comprising a finger guard comprising a substantially flat surface having a bottom contoured edge, a finger ring connected to a first side of the finger guard, and a knife guide attached to the finger guard at a substantially straight edge, the knife guide having an area smaller than an area of the finger guard and angled relative to the finger guard by an angle between approximately 0 and 15 degrees, the substantially straight edge having a length of at least approximately one inch and angled relative to the cutting board by an angle between approximately 15 and 60 degrees when the bottom contoured edge rests against the cutting board.

Abstract: A block of a solid lubricant material, such as PTFE, is biased continuously or intermittently against the cutting edge of a rotary slitting blade for corrugated paperboard. The solid lubricant block prevents the build up of starch adhesive and biasing movement compensates for wear of the block and wear of the cutting blade edge.

Abstract: A skin engaging member for a razor cartridge includes an erodible first layer and an erodible second layer below the first layer. Each layer includes a lubricious water soluble polymer and can include a water insoluble polymer. The second layer includes a fragrance that can be in the form of microcapsules or a suitable additive of the polymeric material(s). As the first layer erodes during normal use of the razor cartridge the second layer is eventually exposed dissolving or fracturing the microcapsules or otherwise releasing the fragrance. The fragrance is malodorous indicating to e.g. a vision impaired user that the optimal life of the razor cartridge is at or nearing its end. The first layer can also be provided with a non-malodorous fragrance. A third erodible layer can be provided between the first and second layer and can also include a fragrance. End-of-optimal-life indication can be rapid or gradual.

Abstract: Biosafety blade devices that aid in the manipulation and safety of either single-edged or double-edged razor blades are disclosed. The devices include finger guards that assist with holding and manipulating a razor blade. The device also includes various embodiments of blade guards that prevent accidental contact with the sharp edge of a razor blade, securely lock a blade preventing reuse, minimize recoil and flying projectiles, control the depth of a skin biopsy, reversibly fix blade curvature and allow for tissue to be measured and securely held to the blade or easily expelled into a specimen container. The components of the biosafety blade, i.e., the finger guards and blade guards, can be used separately or they can be combined to provide for maximum comfort, accuracy, versatility and safety.