Abstract: A method including providing a ceramic log (300) with a first end and an opposing second end; providing one or more cutting devices (100) comprised of a dual bladed cutting member (200); and removing material by cutting at least the first end with the dual bladed cutting member (200), wherein a first blade (210) of the dual bladed cutting member (200) provides a finished surface and a second blade (220) removes a percentage of scrap above the finished surface. An apparatus (100) for cutting a ceramic log (300).

Abstract: A method comprising: a) contacting an article comprising one or more blades (10), the one or more blades (10) having a leading edge (12) curved upward and separated into prongs (14) by one or more notches (16) in the one or more blades (10), with two or more substrates (20,22) joined by a pasty material overflowing at one or more seams (18), where the one or more notches (16) of the article straddle the one or more seams (18); and b) moving the article or the substrates (20,22) such that the pasty material overflowing at the one or more seams (18) is removed.

Abstract: Device and process for picking up a formable and/or collapsible part (30) that employs the forces of a vacuum (44) and generally distributes the vacuum force uniformly over a large portion of the surface of the part (30). The device preferably provides support for the part (30) at regular intervals, for example using a distributor plate (14) having many small openings (26). The device preferably employs a porous layer (12) such as an open cell foam between the distributor plate (14) and the part (30). The porous layer (12) may perform for one or any combination of the following: further distribute the vacuum forces, cushion the part (30) against the distributor plate (14), or further distribute the support for the part (30).

Abstract: Device and process for picking up a formable and/or collapsible part (30) that employs the forces of a vacuum (44) and generally distributes the vacuum force uniformly over a large portion of the surface of the part (30). The device preferably provides support for the part (30) at regular intervals, for example using a distributor plate (14) having many small openings (26). The device preferably employs a porous layer (12) such as an open cell foam between the distributor plate (14) and the part (30). The porous layer (12) may perform for one or any combination of the following: further distribute the vacuum forces, cushion the part (30) against the distributor plate (14), or further distribute the support for the part (30).

Abstract: Extrudate 10 materials that are in a formable and/or collapsible state present multiple challenges for cutting into lengths, particularly when the extrusion profile Includes one or more openings 12 (e.g., running the length of the extrudate 10). The invention is directed at apparatus, devices, systems and methods for cutting the extrudate 10. A cut 64 (e.g., and initial cut) into the extrudate 10 is performed using an ultrasonic knife 27 that vibrates at one or more frequencies. Preferably the cut using the ultrasonic knife 27 is a partial cut 64. A further cut through the extrudate 10 may be made using a secondary cutting tool such as a wire cutter 68. The secondary cutting tool preferably creates a final cut 66 through the extrudate profile, for cutting a part to a length. The ultrasonic knife 27 preferably travels In the horizontal direction at a rate faster than the extrudate 10 while cutting.

Abstract: A method comprising: a) contacting an article comprising one or more blades (10), the one or more blades (10) having a leading edge (12) curved upward and separated into prongs (14) by one or more notches (16) in the one or more blades (10), with two or more substrates joined by a pasty material overflowing at one or more seams (18), where the one or more notches (16) of the article straddle the one or more seams (18); and b) moving the article or the substrates (20,22) such that the pasty material overflowing at the one or more seams (18) is removed.

Abstract: A method including providing a ceramic log (300) with a first end and an opposing second end; providing one or more cutting devices (100) comprised of a dual bladed cutting member (200); and removing material by cutting at least the first end with the dual bladed cutting member (200), wherein a first blade (210) of the dual bladed cutting member (200) provides a finished surface and a second blade (220) removes a percentage of scrap above the finished surface. An apparatus (100) for cutting a ceramic log (300).

Abstract: Germicidal lamp apparatuses are provided with lamps disposed between upper and lower bases of a support structure. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of a lamp is at an acute angle greater than 0° relative to a region of the lower base between the lamp and another lamp. In addition, the longitudinal axis of the other lamp is at either a right angle or an obtuse angle relative to said region. Other embodiments of apparatuses include a reflector system disposed between the upper and lower bases which is common to the lamps and which includes a reflector with slanted peripheral edge. Other germicidal lamp apparatuses are provided which include a reflector with multiple sections each contoured to manipulate directionality of light emitted from a subset of lamps. In such cases, the apparatuses are configured to move the reflector and/or collectively move the lamps during illumination of the lamps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric-laminated plastic part comprising of a surface fabric laminated to a plastic substrate. The part typically includes one or more edges having a portion of the fabric being flush with a portion of the substrate at those edges. The invention also provides a novel process of forming a part with the one or more flush edges.

Abstract: A trocar having a safety shield control mechanism that prevents the inner cannula from rotating and from moving axially when in the locked position. The safety shield control mechanism applies consistent pressure on the safety shield and has an open architecture for ease of sterilization. The trocar provides holding levels for different sizes of hands.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluid relief device for relieving pressure of a fluid stored in a container or tank, or fluid used in a piece of equipment. In one aspect such a device has a body member with a primary channel therethrough in communication with a container of a contained fluid under pressure. When the pressure of the contained fluid under pressure exceeds a predetermined level, the pressure of the contained fluid moves a cover which is sealingly in place to close off the primary channel. During normal conditions the force of the contained fluid is insufficient to move the cover and leakage of the contained fluid past the cover is inhibited by the provision of a barrier fluid supplied into a barrier fluid chamber to oppose the contained fluid, the barrier fluid at a pressure greater than the normal pressure of the contained fluid.