Abstract: When a tube is to be cut into a plurality of sections, the tube and the mandrel are moved into a telescopic relationship. The tube is cut to form a plurality of product sections and at least one scrap section while the tube and mandrel rotate about a central axis of the mandrel. The scrap section is gripped while the scrap section and mandrel are in a telescopic relationship. The mandrel and scrap section are moved out of the telescopic relationship while continuing to grip the scrap section. The product sections are received at a receiving location. Scrap sections may be formed at opposite end portions of the tube and gripped by first and second grippers. Backup rollers may be pressed against the tube during cutting of the tube.

Abstract: Provided is a method for removing a liquid, in particular a supernatant, from a container with a sample, by creating an opening in a container with a sample consisting of solid constituents and a liquid, and subsequently centrifuging the container so as to cause the liquid to flow out of the container through the created opening. Also provided is a device for making a container suitable for use in the method.

Abstract: A turret assembly for receiving and holding lengths of re-cut tubing cut or sheared from a longer-length workpiece by a re-cut device. The turret assembly includes a motor, a plate and a plurality of accumulator members. The accumulator members are supported by the plate in essentially parallel, spaced-apart relationship to receive a predetermined quantity of lengths of re-cut tubing from the re-cut device. The plate is rotated by the motor. A stripping device having a stripping collar and a linear actuator can strip tubing from the accumulator members. A stacking element can collect stripped tubing from the accumulator members and stack tubing in a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching a line of apertures in a workpiece having a channel. The apparatus comprises a punch press mounted to a base over a work space, a removable punch tool mounted on the punch press, an elongated table slidably mounted to the base having a line of travel extending through the work space, a mandrel, a clamping mechanism on the table for clamping a workpiece thereon with the workpiece channel aligned with the mandrel, and a drive mechanism for selectively moving the table in increments as the punch press sequentially strokes. When the workpiece is clamped to the table, it will be incrementally drawn along the mandrel, the mandrel being in the channel, and repeatedly punched by the punch tool, as the table is moved through the work space.

Abstract: A web cutter for use in high speed web transport machines has a roller with a hub, two flanges and three knives supported on the hub between the flanges. In one preferred embodiment the web rides on shoulders provided on the flanges. In another embodiment, the web rides on spacers that are held in position by spring biased conically tipped pilot pins. In a third embodiment the web rides on a slotted cylinder. In all embodiments the web is brought into engagement with one of the knives directly in response to excessive tension in the web.

Abstract: A mandrel apparatus for a tube cutting machine in which the mandrel apparatus is moved into the open end of the tubing advancing along the feed axis of the tubing as the tubing is moved by the feed means into a cutting position. The mandrel apparatus includes a stop member which is mounted for movement between a stop position in which it is positioned across the tube feed path at a location along the feed axis between a rest position of the mandrel and the cutting station and a clear position in which it is pivoted upwardly clear of the feed path. The mandrel apparatus further includes a stripper member having a stripper surface positioned along the feed axis across the feed path between the stop position of the stop member and the rest position of the mandrel.

Abstract: High speed tube cutting apparatus provides die means for the simultaneous cutting of a plurality of tube segments from a length of tubing. Preferred embodiments are capable of cutting the tube segments in extremely short lengths and with the ends thereof formed on a bias. The improvements of the invention eliminate waste and enable the shearing of the tube segments to be achieved in a single stroke of the included die means. A further feature of the invention apparatus is that it provides means for precisely realigning sheared tube segments with the tubing from which they have been cut to facilitate their ejection under the influence of the advancement of such tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus to simultaneously punch a series of louver holes in a tubular workpiece. The apparatus having a series of punches angularly spaced around the workpiece, which punches are caused to reciprocate by the engagement thereof by a series of inclined surfaces of a rotatable member located around the workpiece. The apparatus further includes gripping means to hold the workpiece during punching operations and to move the workpiece in between successive punching operations.