Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting a workpiece such as a rope or a web includes a body defining first and second channels closed by respective first and second movable gates. A first cutting member is at a narrow end of the first channel, and a second cutting member is at a narrow end of the second channel. The body has surface portions adjacent to the second cutting member that are adapted to deform a flat workpiece engaging the second cutting member into a non-flat shape to increase the stiffness of the workpiece as it engages the second cutting member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a collapsible enclosure for a machine tool. According to one embodiment, a collapsible enclosure for a machine tool comprises a substantially waterproof pan. The pan comprises a base portion and a wall portion extending from the base portion around substantially all of an outer edge of the base portion. The collapsible enclosure further comprises a collapsible frame resting on the base portion of the pan and erected inside of the wall portion of the pan. A substantially waterproof cover substantially surrounds the collapsible frame and extends into the pan to overlap an inner side of the wall portion of the pan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a collapsible enclosure for a machine tool. According to one embodiment, a collapsible enclosure for a machine tool comprises a substantially waterproof pan. The pan comprises a base portion and a wall portion extending from the base portion around substantially all of an outer edge of the base portion. The collapsible enclosure further comprises a collapsible frame resting on the base portion of the pan and erected inside of the wall portion of the pan. A substantially waterproof cover substantially surrounds the collapsible frame and extends into the pan to overlap an inner side of the wall portion of the pan.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material having strength and porosity characteristics which heretofore have been associated only with high modulus fibers, while using casting material comprising a fabric made from a multi-filament, low modulus fiber. The fabric is impregnated with a reactive resin which hardens by wetting with a curing agent. A method for making an orthopedic cast and the resulting cast product are also disclosed, as is coloring of the cast product in a variety of desired colors and patterns.

Abstract: A system for improving the handling of a resin coated substrate for molding and smoothing into an orthopedic cast includes a core which is coated with a substance which is substantially inert to the resinous prepolymer in a sealed storage pouch. Water, used to activate the resinous prepolymer, carries the coating to the surface of the substrate, thereby improving handling during the molding process. During normal operation, the cast applier removes the resin coated or impregnated substrate from the storage container and dips it in a water bath to initiate the polymerization process. After removal from the water bath, the applier wraps the substrate around a patient's limb and molds and smooths the substrate to form an orthopedic cast. Once the core about which the resin coated substrate is wrapped is exposed to water, the lubricant is transferred by the water to the outside portion of the cast tape, reducing the tackiness of the cast tape, thereby facilitating its overall handling.

Abstract: A slippery orthopedic cast tape produced by depositing onto a substrate a layer of microencapsulated lubricating or friction-reducing material. The substrate is impregnated with a material which is hardenable upon exposure to an activating agent. The coating of each one of the microgranules is formed of a material which is removable upon the application thereto of a removing stimulus. The microencapsulated lubricious material is applied to the inner end of a rolled cast tape so that it will be adjacent the outer layers of a formed cast. In one embodiment, the microgranules are formed of a water-insoluble polymeric coating over a polyethoxylated surfactant which serves as the lubricious material, the polymeric coating being rupturable upon the application of pressure in order to release the lubricious material.