Abstract: A uniquely contoured glove adapted to tightly conform to a wearer's hand is made by depositing an elastomeric material on a relatively flat glove form having recessed areas covering substantially the entire surface of the hand-forming and finger-forming portions of the form except for a peripheral edge surrounding the recessed areas. The resulting glove, when stripped from the form and reversed, has a hand portion, an open end cuff portion and a plurality of elongated finger-receiving compartments, each of said compartments and said hand portion having a transverse cross-sectional configuration formed by four outwardly curved sections connected by four inwardly curved sections.

Abstract: A double-velour vascular graft has a tubular body or trellis with loops projecting both outwardly and inwardly from said trellis. The loops on both the inner and outer surfaces of the trellis provide for more effective preclotting and ingrowth of tissue without impeding the flow of blood through the tubular body. The graft is produced on a double-needle bar warp-knitting machine using two outside beams and two inside beams, the beams feeding yarn for the loops to said knitting machine at a greater rate than the beams feeding yarn for the trellis.

Abstract: A manually operable device is placed over the drain opening so as to seal this opening. Contained within the device and in fluid communication with the drain is a cartridge which contains one or more materials which react with each other when mixed or with water in the drain to cause the emission of a blast of gas. The materials may comprise a solid and a liquid, the liquid being contained within a capsule, the device including a hand operated trigger pin which is used to pierce the capsule to effect the mixture and resultant reaction, or may comprise a single material contained within a capsule which is mixed with water above the drain when the capsule is either pierced by the trigger pin or dissolved by the water. In this manner, gas pressure is provided to clear the drain by virtue of the reaction produced when certain of the materials are mixed.

Abstract: A mattress construction comprises an intermediate layer of a semi rigid wave shaped resin material and with a top layer overlying the intermediate layer made of a resilient foamed resin material and a lower layer made of a resilient foamed resin material having a greater elastic restoring force than the upper layer. The greater elastic foamed restoring force may be accomplished by the increased density of the material being employed or by making the material of distinct substances giving the desired elastic characteristics. In one embodiment an electrified body in the form of a blanket is interposed between the intermediate layer and the top or upper layer.

Abstract: A flotation hiking harness having back, side and crotch sections attached to a central buckle and having a shoulder section over the shoulder blades and front sections over the chest which terminate short of the bend line at the waist, the front and shoulder sections providing buoyancy and the front sections being fastened to the central buckle to assist in firmly securing the wearer to a tie line.

Abstract: A bridge construction method comprising removing the trucks and wheels from a flatbed type railroad car to provide a bridge substructure, preparing support means upstanding from an area to be bridged for emplacement of the substructure, and emplacing the substructure on the support means over the area.

Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus for use, for example, in rescuing a person who has fallen through the ice, includes a series of slats, flexibly connected to one another, forming a long flexible mat. One end of the mat is provided with an anchoring device, used to fix the end of the mat to the shore. The other end is provided with a flotation device, which may also serve as a core on which to roll the mat. The slats serve to spread the weight of the rescuer over the ice and the entire mat serves as a path to lead the endangered person to safety.

Abstract: A loading dock board or ramp is provided having a counterbalanced, extendable lip incorporating a releasable lock mechanism. The dock board is provided with a projecting lip pivoted to the outer end of a platform and includes mechanisms for automatically raising or swinging the lip to an upwardly elevated or projected position. A counter-balance spring is included in the structure for assisting in the upward swinging movement of the lip and is structurally combined with a lip lock mechanism to maintain the lip in the projected position. This lip lock includes an automatically releasable mechanism which responds to a rearwardly directed force applied to the edge of the lip when thus elevated, to overcome to counter-balance spring and effect release of the lock thereby permitting the lip to swing by gravity to a dependent position.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a flexible rubber-like mat having a plurality of suction cups affixed to one lateral surface thereof. The other lateral surface is substantially covered with a loose pile fabric-like material adapted to be releasingly engaged by one surface of a flexible soap containing apparatus. The plastic gripping surface of the flexible soap container is adapted with a multiplicity of multi-directional material grasping fingers. The remainder of the container is fabricated from porous sponge-like material enabling the soap within to be fluidly communicated with the exterior porous surfaces of the container. The mat may be installed on a wall or on the interior surfaces of a bathtub providing a convenient storage location for the soap container and utility as a washing aid.

Abstract: A simple, lightweight T-shaped mop head and handle device accomplishes a variety of dry or wet mopping as well as dusting jobs. The structure is preferrably fabricated from two lengths of lightweight aluminum tubing attached in a T-configuration by an aluminum, generally U-shaped bracket and two rivets. Lengths of any of a variety of fabric or synthentic materials may be wrapped around the cross head of the device. An upwardly projecting stud may be provided adjacent each end of the cross head of the device to hold the material wrapped therearound in place.

Abstract: A downward pressure mop wringer is disclosed. It comprises a hopper, a pivoted pressure plate mounted in the hopper, a crank-arm linkage to actuate the pressure plate, a handle to actuate the crank-arm linkage, and a spring to return the pressure plate to normal position after use.

Abstract: Device for eliminating a clearance at the center where a pair of curtains of the center draw type are overlapped. The device can be interposed between two straight curtain rods aligned end-to-end to detachably interconnect the curtain rods and comprises two connecting rails joined together side by side. Each of the rails includes a straight end portion to be connected to the corresponding curtain rod, a bent portion continuous with the straight end portion, and an extension continuously extending from the end of the bent portion deviated sidewise by a distance equal to the width of the rail so as to position in parallel to the straight end portion. The curtains on the opposite curtain rods are movable toward each other along the connecting rails to overlap each other at the bent portions and extensions.

Abstract: An improved soft-feel handle construction including first and second parts each part including a flexible thermoplastic sheath wrapped around a cushioning member. One of the parts includes a thin, flat elongated conductive member positioned between the thermoplastic sheath and the cushion. The first and second handle parts are dielectrically sealed together with each handle part covering the seal so that the seal is formed interiorly of the handle.

Abstract: A slider aligning device is disclosed for use in a separable slide fastener of the class comprising a pair of stringers having longitudinal rows of interfitting fastener elements on their opposed edges respectively, and a pair of sliders arranged reversely to each other on the rows of fastener elements for longitudinal movement therealong to engage and disengage the same. The aligning device includes a pair of recesses formed inconspicuously at the contracted end of one of the sliders, and a pair of tongues formed correspondingly at the opposed contracted end of the other slider. The tongues are so shaped and sized as to fit neatly in the respective recesses when the contracted ends of the two sliders are brought into contact with each other, so that the sliders can be held in correct alignment during insertion or removal of a pin member at one end of one of the stringers into or out of the guide channels of the respective sliders.

Abstract: A sliding clasp fastener stringer is disclosed which comprises a warp-knit support tape carrying a row of interlocking fastener elements, said tape having a web portion of a relatively coarse interstice structure suitable for stitching the tape to an article of clothing, and a longitudinal edge portion formed solely by knit-loop forming threads suitable for mounting the row of fastener elements stably into position thereon against displacement relative to the tape. The web portion and the edge portion are interconnected transversely by a connecting portion which is formed by threads merging from both of said portions and which has a relatively fine interstice structure.

Abstract: Described is a quick acting fastener which is particularly adapted to securing together structures such as panels having suitable shaped openings to receive a unitary, quarter turn, snap acting fastener having projections which snap into fastening position through relative rotational and axial motion of interacting cam elements mounted on a stud which is rotatable.

Abstract: A vehicle safety belt connector has a tonque-shaped male member attached to the safety belt and having a notch in an edge thereof and a female member attachable to the vehicle. The female member has a pair of flat parallel walls with locking of the male member to the female member being effected by means of a pair of pins transversely movable in opposed slots extending inwards from the edges of the flat walls so that each of the pins, in their inner positions, engages one of the notches. A manually operable cam member serves to operate the pins.

Abstract: A worm gear clamping apparatus including a molded, one-piece worm gear drive head and strap assembly, the end of the strap oppositely disposed from the worm gear drive head defining partial internal threads on its outward surface. The apparatus also includes a molded worm member having external threads and an elongated guide portion projecting forwardly of the threads. The worm gear drive head defines a strap-receiving opening for receiving the opposite end of the strap, and also defines a worm chamber configured to receive the external threads of the worm member. The forward end of the worm gear drive head defines a journal opening for receiving the elongated guide portion axially movable therein.

Abstract: Pile fabric is produced by needling in an ornamental pattern a pile layer of loose fibers through the back or nonvisible side of a fabric backing web which is intermittently passed with its back side up through a series of needling stations comprising needles disposed in a particular arrangement to form the fibers into the backing web in a predetermined pattern. A feed duct including a discharge port extending across the fabric web transversely of its feed direction is arranged to deliver fibers onto the back side of the web at a point upstream from the needling station. A suction duct located downstream from the needling station draws loose fibers from the back side of the web through an inlet port which extends across the web transversely of the feed direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for separating objects, particularly for drawing-off individual heddles from a pack, comprising substantially U-shaped, pivotal, reciprocatable pipe means adapted to be mounted adjacent a pack of heddles and to contact a heddle with the end thereof in the working position thereof, and means for creating a partial vacuum in said pipe means.

Abstract: A method for space dyeing yarn wherein a rapidly advancing yarn is intermittently deflected into and out of a nip of a pair of rotating dye applicator rollers, such that those portions of the yarn which pass through the nip are subjected to a rapidly applied and substantial compressive force in the nature of a hammer-like impact in the nip, to cause the dye carried by the rollers to deeply penetrate into the yarn. In the illustrated embodiment, the yarn is advanced past a plurality of such pairs of dye applicator rollers, and an external pattern control acts to deflect the yarn into and out of the various nips in accordance with a predetermined program.

Abstract: Automated machine for the continuous bias cutting of an elongated tube of material, such a tubular knitted fabric, into a plurality of individual strips, and winding the strips into a plurality of rolls of fabric. The machine comprises a supply section, a spreading and tensioning section and a cutting and rolling section. The tubular material or fabric is stored in the supply section in a rotatable receptacle in the form of a stack of untensioned superimposed flattened folds. The tube is advanced axially from the supply to the cutting and rolling section of the machine by a plurality of skewed rotatable cylinders. As the flattened tube is withdrawn from the supply, it passes over a spreader which opens and tensions it. The rotatable skewed cylinders cause the advancing tube to rotate about its axis as it advances to be cut into strips.

Abstract: A deflection compensating press roll is disclosed in which a stationary beam has a barrel mounted for rotation thereabout and a plurality of hydrostatic elements provide selective hydrostatic support along the length of the roll. The support elements are arranged in a plurality of groups to which hydrostatic pressure fluid is directed at selected pressures through pressure fluid paths which are facilitated by separate hydrostatic fluid ducts.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for supporting hot metal components such as slabs in a continuous casting plant which comprises a roll having at least one elongated member which defines a series of undulations disposed about the outer surface of the roll. Preferably the elongated member forms a series of intermeshing separate or continuous coils which extend over the portion of the roll adapted to support the hot metal components. The coils are secured to the roll surface at positions spaced thereabout and are spaced from each other a distance such that the undulations of adjacent coils intermesh so as to provide shielding of the outer surface of the roll from direct contact with the radiant heat from the hot metal components.

Abstract: A method of assembling an all-plastic valve that assures proper positioning of the associated parts while forming a unitary, leaf-proof valve body.

Abstract: Apparatus for dropping rings one at a time from a stack and including apparatus for receiving piston rings so dropped and applying them to pistons. The apparatus includes a tube, upper and lower pawls slidably mounted in the lower end of said tube and an oscillating cam having a pin and slot interconnection to said pawls to cause them to project and retract alternately in order to drop a ring from the lower pawl while retaining the stack with the upper pawl and to drop the stack onto the lower pawl. Adjacent the lower end of the tube is a ring spreader which has a jaw engageable with one side of a piston ring and bifurcated jaw engageable with the other side of the piston ring with means to cause the jaws to engage the piston ring and spread the bifurcated jaws apart to open up the ring, whereupon the spreader may be lowered to position the ring around the piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enlarging a bore in a work piece including means for sealing the bore, a source of hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic pressure amplifier for introducing the fluid into the cylindrical bore and amplifying the pressure of the fluid to a value exceeding the yield strength of the work piece, thereby forcing the walls of the bore to yield until the bore reaches a predetermined diameter. The hydraulic amplifier means includes a plurality of series connected cylinders of increasing diameter so that the fluid acting on each cylinder is multiplied by the pressure of the preceding cylinder.

Abstract: In manufacturing a hammer for sheet metal work and repair or shaping of metal sheets, the hammer is made with a hammer head and an adapter which has a face for striking the workpiece and is coaxially connected to the hammer head in such a manner that the adapter, upon the striking of the hammer, rotates with respect to the hammer head in a predetermined direction from its "at rest" position, and then automatically returns to its original position. The hammer head and the adapter are, first, provided in the area where they are in contact with other when set in the at rest position with a lubricant, then, they are positioned with respect to each other in a predetermined relationship, and temporally bonded to each other by a temporary bonding agent which is applied over adjoining peripheral portions of the hammer head and the adapter and the liquid then tightly covers the adjoining peripheral portions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for upgrading insulators of a current distribution system when the voltage of the system is to be increased. New, additional insulators are coupled with the existing ones, and the coupling is accomplished without detachment of the current conductor from the existing insulator. The mounting stud for the existing insulator is unsecured from a support member, such as a crossarm, is detached from the existing insulator, and is thereafter attached to a new, additional insulator. The two insulators are then coupled together to provide increased electrical insulation, and the mounting stud is resecured to the supporting member. Time and materials are saved by not having to detach and reattach the conductor, and by reusing the existing insulator, the conductor attachment means, and the mounting stud.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for removing ties from under railroad track and is specifically concerned with removing ties in one piece and involves removing the high wood from the ties in the area between the rails of the track and on one end thereof so that the tie may be pulled or pushed out the other way.

Abstract: An apparatus and method particularly adapted for use in continuously setting blind rivets having elongated mandrels in suitably apertured material.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a conveyor table having pairs of press heads mounted on its opposite sides. Strips of sheet metal stock from coils are fed through respective die sets for punching integrally extending teeth in the metal strips and the connector plate stock thus formed is fed into the respective paths of movement of upper and lower press platens. The platens are movable toward one another to substantially simultaneously cut the connector stock to predetermined lengths to form connector plates and embed the teeth of the connector plates on opposite sides of joints formed by wooden frame members disposed on the conveyor between the press heads. Simultaneously with the pressing operation, the die set punches additional teeth into the strip. Upon completion of the pressing operation, a feed mechanism locates predetermined lengths of connector stock with struck teeth between the press platens for the next cut and embedment operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting individual light waveguides characterized by providing a splicing element holder, a pair of spaced waveguide clamping devices which are spaced from the holder, securing a splicing element having a longitudinal extending centering groove with the base in the holder with the groove opening toward the clamping devices, clamping a light waveguide in each clamping device with an end portion of the waveguide extending toward the splicing element at an acute angle, moving either the holder toward the pair of clamping devices or the pair of clamping devices toward the holder to insert the ends of the pair of waveguides into the centering groove of the splicing element, to bring the end faces of the pair of waveguides into contact with each other, and to cause the end portions of the waveguides to bend and to move into the centering groove for alignment of the end portions and subsequently securing the aligned end portions in the splicing device.

Abstract: The method for fabrication of a self-aligned gate CMOS structure which employs no additional masking steps as compared to the standard CMOS fabrication process, this improved process providing the advantages of self-alignment between the N+ and P+ source and drain diffusions with respect to their gate regions, and metal contact openings which do not overlap the edges of the P+ or N+ source and drain regions. The self-aligning gate region is defined by a silicon nitride gate layer. Several embodiments of the novel process are described.

Abstract: The method for fabrication of a self-aligned gate CMOS structure which employs no additional masking steps as compared to the standard CMOS fabrication process, this improved process providing the advantages of self-alignment between the N+ and P+ source and drain diffusions with respect to their gate regions, and metal contact openings which do not overlap the edges of the P+ or N+ source and drain regions. The self-aligning gate region is defined by a silicon nitride gate layer. Several embodiments of the novel process are described.

Abstract: A process for the production of semiconductor elements is set forth which includes metallizing a side of a large-area semiconductor wafer, having at least two zones of differing conductivity types, applying a soft-solder plate to the metallized side of said large-area wafer, bringing a perforated plate with a desired pattern of holes against said soft-solder plate, said perforated plate being formed of a material which does not form an alloy with said soft-solder plate, subjecting said perforated plate to a load while said soft-solder is heated to its melting temperature, cooling said soft-solder plate and removing it, and subjecting said large-area semiconductor wafer to a sand blast which is directed against the side coated with the solder metal until the large-area wafer has been divided up. The stream of the sand on the said blast may be as wide as the large-area wafer. The metal layer formed on the large-area wafer is preferably formed as two nickel layers and a gold layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a high frequency antenna such as a horn-reflector antenna. In fabricating the horn antenna a mold may be used which comprises a paraboloid-cylindrical section and a pair of half cone shells for forming respectively the paraboloid-cylindrical portion and the cone portion of the antenna. In assembling the mold, the shells are secured together and then the cylindrical section is fastened to the assembled shells. After the antenna has been formed, the mold is disassembled by first removing the paraboloid-cylindrical section, thereafter removing one of the shells and then the remaining shell; and all such mold parts being removed via the radiating aperture of the paraboloid-cylindrical portion of the antenna.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing triple coincidence access 3-D memories (requiring 3 inputs for memory access) which, according to the invention, consists in making a flat core matrix threaded along three directions of the Cartesian system, the matrix is then positioned opposite the place of manufacturing a subsequent flat matrix, every matrix is secured in the position provided for it in the 3-D memory being manufactured and in which the subsequent weaving procedure is carried out until the preset number of matrices for the 3-D memory is obtained.

Abstract: A method for forming a slurry cell electrode structure which serves as a component of a planar battery. The slurry electrode structure is formed in situ as a particulate dispersion of active material in aqueous electrolyte. The method utilizes a slurry precursor prepared by predepositing a liquid carried dispersion of the particulate active material over the surface of a select component, such as a separator, current collector, or intercell connector of the cell. This deposition is dried and prepared as a subassembly which is appropriately inserted within the multicell pile structure as a step in the manufacture of a multicell battery. By wetting the subassembly with a wash coat of aqueous electrolyte, in situ slurry formation is provided.

Abstract: A process for producing multi-chip wiring arrangements which consist of a ceramic carrier with through contact holes associated with thin film wiring on one side of the carrier and with multi layer, thick layer wiring on the other side of the carrier. The holes on the one side of the carrier are metallized and galvanically strengthened while the holes on the other side of the carrier are sealed by baking therein a thick layer of paste. Thereafter the multi layer, thick layer wiring and the thin film wiring are produced in that order.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing HF fittings to coaxial cables or hollow conductors by means of a clamping sleeve surrounding the cable outer sheath or the hollow conductor sheath. The sheath is radially inwardly deformed by the clamping sleeve in such a manner that a transformation is effected which guarantees a reflection-free transition to the adjoining fitting. In the end portion of the cable or hollow conductor the outer sheath is engaged radially so that it is compressed, giving a reliable hold. The cable sheath is thus deformed in a definite manner so that at the point of entry into the fitting it has a predetermined size, said deformation gradually or abruptly decreasing towards the cable in a transformation portion. This deformation can be effected by suitable means, for example axial tensioning or by a two-part clamping sleeve with tangential tensioning.

Abstract: A metal body, for example, a cover for hermetically sealed electrochemical cells, is relatively flexible and electrically conductive. An aperture is provided within the body to receive an electrically insulating material, such as glass, which mounts a terminal or metal lead, for the cell. In the process for producing the seal, the body is positioned with the lead therein and a sealing glass is placed thereabout. The assembly is fired at a temperature high enough to achieve melting of said sealing glass and effecting a between the body, lead and glass to form a glass-to-metal seal. At least one surface of the lead is then ground to be flush with the glass and then the assembly is refired to heal cracks formed in the glass by the grinding operation.

Abstract: A winding insertion device for axially inserting the windings of a dynamoelectric machine is provided with a pair of blade holders axially aligned with respect to one another. A first set of blades is attached to one of the blade holders, and a second set of blades is attached to the second blade holder. Individual ones of the first and second blade sets are arranged alternately with respect to one another, and the blades define an annular array when viewed in plan. Means are provided for moving the first and second blade holders relative to each other in a reciprocal movement pattern during winding insertion, with consequent movement of the respective blade sets. Because of the relative blade holder movement, the actual distance of movement required for individual ones of the first and second blade sets is small. Consequently, the insertion device is compatible with a wide range of stator assembly stack heights constructed from laminations having a variety of slot configurations.

Abstract: A wire terminating tool is provided which simultaneously effects termination of a plurality of wires in a variety of connectors. The tool employs a nest adapted to receive connectors of a plurality of different constructions and to so position each connector that wire-receiving channels therein are in alignment with a plurality of tool stuffing or insertion blades. The latter simultaneously force a plurality of wires, initially aligned by a wire-aligning comb, into said channels. The wires are cut to desired length and are restrained from axially moving in the course of termination to obviate wire withdrawal from the channels during the terminating step. A novel handle pawl insures a desired, complete terminating stroke of the stuffing blades by the tool operator.

Abstract: A dispenser for shaving units having blade and guard means permanently associated therewith, the dispenser including storage means for accommodating a plurality of the shaving units, locating means engageable by a razor handle with which the units are to be used, the storage means being movably coupled to the locating means to permit units in the storage means to be brought in turn into a position adjacent a head of the razor handle for transferring a unit from the storage means into engagement with the handle.

Abstract: A two-edge shaving blade unit having a member for ejecting shaved hair particles and other matter deposited in and clogging a space between the leading and following cutting edges. The upper and lower blade elements are fixed between a platform and a cap portion in a parallel and spaced relation with a spacer interposed therebetween. The ejecting member is retained between the upper and lower blade elements and is loosely fitted around the spacer in a manner displaceable between an advanced and a retracted positions. The cap portion has a resilient rear wall having a knob at its laterally intermediate portion, and to this knob is connected the ejecting member. The ejecting member can be displaced forwardly into the advanced position when the knob is pushed manually so as to eject the hair particles and other matter deposited in and clogging the space between the leading and following cutting edges.

Abstract: A multi-purpose hand tool for use with fine gauge insulated wire. The hand tool can be used to cut wire, to cut and strip insulation from wire and to untwist twisted pairs of wire. The insulation cutting and stripping portion of the tool has an alignment guide for the wire which floats relative to the cutting blade for accuracy of alignment of the wire with the insulation stripping aperture. The wire untwisting means includes plastic pads carried by the tool members and movable into closely spaced relationship with each other upon closing of the tool to engage and straighten the wires of a twisted pair of wires pulled between the pads.

Abstract: An improved and simplified combination sheath and rigid handle for small, elongate tools such as knife blades, saws, small chisels and the like is disclosed herein. The structure of the invention is combined with a tool such as a knife blade having a butt end which is provided with a pair of side-by-side hinge elements having axes which are disposed transversely of the longitudinal center line of the knife blade or other tool. Swingably connected to such hinge elements are a pair of cooperating sheaths and handle members such as elongate bars or plates of somewhat greater length than the knife blade or tool, and of width greater than the width of the tool for protecting the same in one of the operative positions of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting, trimming, and edging vegetation along driveways, sidewalks, and the like; around trees, shrubs, and like landscaping; and adjacent fences, walls, posts, and the like by rotation of a non-metallic cutting line in a cutting plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The apparatus includes a drive motor positioned in a trimmer housing at one end of an elongated handle and adapted to rotate a driven shaft and a spool member connected thereto. The spool member has a storage of non-metallic cutting line member coiled thereon with a non-coiled portion thereof extending from the spool member and through an aperture in a wall of the trimmer housing. The spool member may be moved longitudinally of the driven shaft against the resistance of a resilient member and turned relative to the driven shaft to thereby adjust the amount of the cutting line member extending through the aperture in the one wall of the trimmer housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing portions of damaged material such as clothing fabric is described. A piece of mending cloth identical to the damaged material is placed over the damaged area of a fabric to be repaired, aligned and further placed upon a flat cutting die of metal having several different sized round holes therein. The proper hole is selected, the top edge about the parimeter acting as the cutting die. A cooperating punch assembly containing a cylindrical holder which can contain one metal sphere or two such spheres. If the punch assembly contains two such spheres, one may be swiveled or turned end for end so as to cut with the desired sphere. The spherical ball partically protrudes from the one end of a holder through a hole about which surrounds a shoulder area for cooperating with the die plate. The spherical ball is held loosely within the holder by retaining means opposite to the shoulder region.