Abstract: A link cutter includes a support frame having a cutting zone, a first conveyor on one side of the cutting zone for sequentially conveying a plurality of links interconnected by twisted casing sections, a second conveyor on the opposite side of the cutting zone for receiving links from the first conveyor and stretching the twisted casing sections at the cutting zone. A sensor upstream of the cutting zone includes a source of electromagnetic waves directed across the path of the links and a device for sensing those waves which pass between the links adjacent the twisted casing sections so as to actuate a knife within the cutting zone to sever the sensed twisted casing section upon movement of the same to the cutting zone. The sensor may be a light source and photocell adjustably mounted relative to the cutting zone. A mirror or reflective surface is positioned in the cutting zone to function in combination with the light source and photocell.

Abstract: A link cutter includes a support frame having a cutting zero, a first conveyor on one side of the cutting zone for sequentially conveying a plurality of links interconnected by twisted casing sections, a second conveyor on the opposite side of the cutting zone for receiving links from the first conveyor and stretching the twisted casing sections at the cutting zone. A sensor upstream of the cutting zone includes a source of electromagnetic waves directed across the path of the links and a device for sensing those waves which pass between the links adjacent the twisted casing sections so as to actuate a knife within the cutting zone to sever the sensed twisted casing section upon movement of the same to the cutting zone. The sensor may be a light source and photocell adjustably mounted relative to the cutting zone.

Abstract: A cryogenic probe is disclosed comprising a barrel having a plunger mechanism movably mounted therein and having a valve on the lower end thereof. The valve normally closes the lower end of the barrel but the plunger may be moved relative to the barrel to permit cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen to by-pass the valve and to move upwardly into the interior of the barrel. The valve has a tip portion at the lower end thereof. The barrel is removably positioned in a guard so that the tip portion extends outwardly through the bottom of the guard and so that the upper end of the plunger is exposed above the guard. The tip portion has a lower end portion which is extremely thin so that the cryogenic liquid will be positioned closely adjacent the skin but not in actual contact therewith when the tip portion is placed into contact with the patient's skin. The method of charging the device is disclosed as is the method of using the same.

Abstract: A method of charging a cryogenic probe is disclosed comprising a barrel having a plunger mechanism movably mounted therein and having a valve on the lower end thereof. The valve normally closes the lower end of the barrel but the plunger may be moved relative to the barrel to permit cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen to by-pass the valve and to move upwardly into the interior of the barrel. The valve has a tip portion at the lower end thereof. The barrel is removably positioned in a guard so that the tip portion extends outwardly through the bottom of the guard and so that the upper end of the plunger is exposed above the guard. The tip portion has a lower end portion which is extremely thin so that the cryogenic liquid will be positioned closely adjacent the skin but not in actual contact therewith when the tip portion is placed into contact with the patient's skin. The method of charging the device is disclosed as is the method of using the same.

Abstract: A method of treating substances in an ambient environment with a cryogenic material is disclosed comprising a barrel having a plunger mechanism movably mounted therein and having a valve on the lower end thereof. The valve normally closes the lower end of the barrel but the plunger may be moved relative to the barrel to permit cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen to by-pass the valve and to move upwardly into the interior of the barrel. The valve has a tip portion at the lower end thereof. The barrel is removably positioned in a guard so that the tip portion extends outwardly through the bottom of the guard and so that the upper end of the plunger is exposed above the guard. The tip portion has a lower end portion which is extremely thin so that the cryogenic liquid will be positioned closely adjacent the skin but not in actual contact therewith when the tip portion is placed into contact with the patient's skin. The method of charging the device is disclosed as is the method of using the same.