Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting device includes an ultrasonic vibrating device which, in operation, generates ultrasonic vibrations in a longitudinal direction. At least one solid horn, whose length is a multiple of half-wavelengths, is connected to and extends away from the vibrating device, in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic vibrations. A plurality of tubular spacer horns, each having vibrating end faces and a length of substantially one half-wavelength, are arranged end to end about and along the solid horn. At least one cutting blade is connected to the solid horn, between the vibrating end faces of a pair of adjacent tubular spacer horns. The blade is positioned in a plane extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of vibrations. A clamping device for pressingly retaining the tubular spacer horns along the solid horn is positioned at the end of the solid horn, away from the vibrating means.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting device includes an ultrasonic vibrating device and an elongated cutting blade. The ultrasonic vibrating device generates vibrations along a longitudinal axis and includes two or more parallel support members extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of vibrations. The elongated cutting blade, positioned in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of vibrations, is connected at each of its respective ends to adjacent support members, at anti-nodes of the support members.

Abstract: Materials are cut by ultrasonically vibrating a cutting blade transverse to the plane of passage of the blade through the material and passing the vibrated blade through the material. An ultrasonic cutting device combines one or more cutting blades with an ultrasonic vibrating de ice which vibrates the blades transverse to the planes of passage of the blades through the material when the cutting device is in operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fastener suitable for use in attaching a plastic heel to a shoe. The fastener comprises a generally flat head portion and at least three shank portions extending from the head portion. Each shank portion has at least one aperture therein into which melted or softened plastic material of the heel can flow and upon solidification, lock the fastener to the heel.

Abstract: A fastener, for instance a wide staple having holes in its legs, is heated to a temperature above the softening temperature of the material of a heel to be attached to a shoe. The fastener is then inserted through pre-formed slots in an insole of the shoe and pressed into the heel so that heat from the fastener softens the plastic and the fastener becomes embedded in the heel to hold it attached.

Abstract: A plastic heel is attached by inserting through an insole of a shoe a fastener, and vibrating the fastener at ultrasonic frequency to cause its shank to melt the plastic and become embedded in the heel. The fastener may be a staple with wide legs having holes therein. The shank of the shoe may be bridged by the staple for added attachment strength. Since less work penetration is needed than in nail-attaching of heels, advantage is gained especially in securing sharply tapering or so-called "stiletto" heels.