Abstract: A tamper-proof closure for a container having a member projecting from its neck, in which the closure is thermoformed with a skirt wall having a tab which engages the projecting member and which breaks off as the closure is unfastened from the container.

Abstract: In an industrial mechanical press, anti-friction gibs are provided to replace conventional V-type bronze gibs without requiring extensive rebuilding of the press. Linear roller bearings, and their associated flat races, are substituted for plain bronze gibs which enable zero clearance to be obtained between the press slide and frame, thereby effectively reducing off-center die loading and friction on the slide.

Abstract: A passive picture display device having a number of display elements for controlling the reflection or the transmission of light. Each display element has two parallel supporting plates of which at least one is transparent, a first electrode disposed on one of said supporting plates, a second electrode disposed on the other supporting plate facing the first electrode, a third electrode movably disposed between the first and second electrodes by electrostatic forces and an opaque liquid the color of which contrasts with the color of the side of the third electrode facing the transparent supporting plate filling the space between the two supporting plates.

Abstract: .[.A symmetrical light intensity distribution profile is achieved by placing a pair of similar asymmetrical linear DC gas discharge lamps in parallel position but opposed in polarity. The individual asymmetrical distributions of the lamps combine in a symmetrical total intensity distribution. A desired "butterfly" or other intensity distribution profile can be achieved..]. .Iadd.The invention relates to an illumination system which provides nonuniform illumination along an object plane in the dimension of an illumination source which includes two linear lamps. The lamps have their anodes and cathodes connected in reverse fashion relative to each other; each lamp provides its own asymmetrical light output distribution pattern but the resultant output of both lamps is a symmetrical pattern which provides the characteristic nonuniform illumination on the object plane. .Iaddend.

Abstract: An improved vehicle includes a truck mounted material-handling mechanism having a main cab or operator's station from which the vehicle is driven over a road or highway and a second cab or operator's station from which the material-handling mechanism is operated. When the vehicle is being driven over the road, power is transmitted to the driving wheels of the vehicle from a main engine by a main drive line which includes a main transmission assembly. When the material handling mechanism is being operated, a control means in the second cab or operator's station is selectively operable to drive the vehicle with power transmitted from an auxiliary engine to the main transmission assembly in the main drive line by an auxiliary drive line. The auxiliary drive line includes a pump which is driven by the auxiliary engine to provide fluid under pressure to operate a fluid motor which is drivingly connected with the main transmission assembly.

Abstract: A method of representing decimal numbers in a quasi binary coded decimal (BCD) form is disclosed along with apparatus for using the same. The value assigned to a combination of binary bits is dependent on the location of the combination on the medium which is encoded. Use is made of the direction of motion of the medium to determine the position and hence the decimal value of specific combinations of binary bits. By interpreting certain combinations of bits in two different ways, an additional binary bit of information can be obtained from a given number of bits increasing the obtainable information from conventional BCD codes.

Abstract: A control system for energizing and de-energizing an external load in series with a source of electricity incorporates a rectifying network having inputs in series with the alternating current source and the external load. An electronic switch of the system activates the load by effectively shorting together the inputs to the control system when the combination of externally sensed parameters obtain predetermined magnitudes. The sensed parameters control the activation of the electronic switch by a plurality of control modules which interact with a control logic module, representing a Boolean combination of the control module outputs, so as to activate a trigger module which in turn causes the electronic switch, such as a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) to be triggered. The external load is then energized by the SCR effectively shorting the inputs to the control system and which thus completes the electrical path from the source of electricity through the load.

Abstract: A protective vest for use by motorcycle riders, snow mobile riders, rodeo riders and the like provides an integral inner vest of cushioned material such as foam having a vertical opening at the front portion thereof and a pair of arm openings allowing it to be dorned by a wearer. A lowermost circumferential armor plate of hardened plastic, for example, extends from the vertical opening 360.degree. degrees around the wearer and vertically from the lowermost portion of the vest upwardly a distance terminating at the middle portion of the vest. The hardened armor plate is bonded, for example, directly to the innermost foam vest. A pair of bilaterally symmetrical hardened plates extend from the mid portion of the vest upwardly over the shoulder of the vest and downwardly onto the back portion thereof forming a pair of bilaterally symmetric continuous armor plated panels separate from the lowermost panel and from each other.

Abstract: This invention is called "Thumbless boxing gloves". This boxing glove is so made as to hide properly the thumb in order that it cannot be stretched out during the action of fighting, and injure the opponent incidentally.Padded with sponge rubber inside, this glove is covered with an outer leather, inside which there is an inner cover of such a shape that the thumb will not easily be moved forward to give an accidental wound to the opponent. Two lines of holes on both sides along the gap cut in the middle part below the palm a ribbon band to be fastened crisscross to bind the glove around the arm. This newly-designed glove can comply with the new regulation of the Boxing Association that the thumb should be hidden properly.

Abstract: A safety goggle including a one-piece wrap-around front with hinged temples continuing rearwardly therefrom. The goggle features improved anti-fogging ventilation and universal nasal area face fitting.

Abstract: A cardiac valvular prosthesis comprising an occluder disc, a supporting ring pivotally supporting said disc, and a suturing ring arranged on an outer portion of said supporting ring and adapted to facilitate suturing to the annulus of a cardiac valve to be replaced, said occluder disc having a hydrodynamic shape, an eccentrically positioned rotational axis far from the obturation plane of the disc, and hinges located in the central area of said disc, said occluder disc being pivotable between an open position disposed at an angle which is 90.degree. with respect to the supporting ring and a closed position wherein said disc is disposed at an angle of approximately 15.degree. with respect to said supporting ring.

Abstract: An electrical combustion toilet including a housing having a seat and a cover, a first receiving chamber for receiving toilet wastes, a combustion chamber situated below the first receiving chamber adapted to receive wastes therefrom by force of gravity and to electrically incinerate the wastes, an ash chamber for receiving combustion residue from the combustion chamber, and a fireproof cover adapted to seal the combustion chamber. The toilet is rendered firedamp-proof by an encapsulation structure and by being supplied with pressurized air for preventing explosive gas mixtures.

Abstract: A cabinet having a sealable door and in which a person sits with his neck extending through an opening in the cabinet top. A spray system in the cabinet is arranged to direct water over the body of the user, and pipe means connects the spray system to a source of temperature-controlled water. Control means is operable to cause this water to by-pass the spray system when the temperature thereof rises above or drops below a predetermined temperature range. Water is removed from the bottom of the cabinet through a drain hose.

Abstract: Independently operable lifting mechanisms are provided at the head and foot ends of the fixed lower base frame of an adjustable hospital bed in order to facilitate independent height adjustment of the head and foot ends of the bed's movable upper frame. The two lifting mechanisms are actuated by respective ones of two drive screws which may be rotated individually or simultaneously and in either direction to position the upper frame at any desired height and at any selected tilt angle. In other words, by turning only one of the drive screws one end of the upper frame is elevated or lowered and the tilt angle will be changed. By rotating both of the drive screws at the same time the upper frame will be raised or lowered at a constant tilt angle. This flexibility enhances the medical treatment that a hospital patient may receive.

Abstract: Different hospital bed adjustments (such as high-low, back and knee adjustments) may be made simultaneously with a transmission that transmits power from a single rotating drive to selected ones of a series of independently rotatable output shafts or drive screws, each of which controls a different bed adjustment. Each of the drive screws may be individually clutched to the rotating drive independently of the other drive screws. With this arrangement, a plurality of drive screws may be clutched at the same time in order to effect concurrent operation of a plurality of adjustment mechanisms thereby obtaining rapid re-positioning of the hospital bed to a new position.

Abstract: A head rest and sunshade construction comprising in combination: a base consisting of an inclined upper panel having an upper face, and side support panels adapted to support the upper panel on a surface; a cushion member provided on the upper panel so as to project above the upper face of the upper panel; a sunshade having a support frame and a cover attached thereto; and adjustable support means for adjustably supporting the support frame on the base.

Abstract: A cushion for reducing the incidence of decubitus ulcers in immobilized patients has upper and lower sheets peripherally seamed together to form an enclosure which contains a quantity of small plastic spheres or beads. A baffle system is arranged within the enclosure for maintaining the beads in an even distribution throughout the enclosure. The material of the baffle system and upper sheet is permeable to air flow, while the lower surface is not, whereby air may be forced to flow through the enclosure and out the upper sheet from a blower interconnected to an end of the enclosure by a duct.

Abstract: A shoe cleaner for removing debris from the sole of a shoe is comprised of a foraminous scraper for contacting the sole of a shoe and, upon relative motion therebetween, removing debris therefrom and a wick member for applying a liquid deodorant and/or solvent for the debris to the shoe from a reservoir proximate the foraminous scraper. The shoe cleaner disclosed herein also preferably includes a mat for removal of any excess deodorant and/or solvent and for secondary removal of debris from the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: A compact and portable game skinning aid designed to facilitate more efficient skinning of small game and fur-bearing animals, which includes a cable bar having a pair of internal cable guides communicating with each end of the cable bar, and a cable partially embedded in the cable bar with the cable ends slidably threaded back through the cable guides to define a loop at each end of the cable bar, the ends of the cable then attached to a mount bar positioned in spaced relationship with respect to the cable bar. In one embodiment of the invention an eye bolt is secured to the mount bar in order to suspend the game skinning aid from a secure mounting point, and the feet of a fur-bearing animal are positioned in the cable loops projecting from each end of the cable bar to secure the animal during the skinning operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an attachment pin or needle which incorporates a plurality of more than two parallel prongs to serve as a device to fasten a boutonniere, floral arrangement or other non-related article to personal clothing, to a floral display, or to any puncturable supporting means, so that the flower or other material remains securely attached, and so that a variety of sizes of boutonniere may be grasped.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a napkin clip device, and more particularly to a device which may be utilized in the manner of a tie clip and which also functions to hold a napkin in selected position. The device is especially adaptable for use as an advertising medium.

Abstract: A steel band loop clamp is disclosed having a first end with a raised abutment and tangentially extending end portion, and a second end adapted for engagement against the raised abutment to hold the clamp in a prestressed open position. A closed circumferential slot terminates partially along the raised abutment and extends partially around the steel band loop, for accepting into engagement therewith the second end of the closed band loop when the clamp is engaged into a closure position.

Abstract: A clamp useful for connecting fluid-conveying hoses and the like to couplings, valves and the like. The clamp is formed of a spring metal strip which has portions of its longitudinal parallel linear edges cut to provide a pair of parallel inclined linear edges such that the original constant width of the strip is gradually reduced toward the longitudinal opposite ends of the strip so that the width of the strip varies in proportion to the bending moment produced in the strip, with the thus narrowed opposite ends being bent in mutually opposed relation to provide operating knobs for forcibly spreading the ring diameter. The spring metal strip thus prepared is then wound into a ring of right circle, with the inclined linear edges abutting against each other along a given length, thereby ensuring uniform bending stress throughout the ring.

Abstract: A separable slide fastener comprises a pair of warp-knit stringer tapes each having a pair of webs with a wale-free region therebetween, which are interconnected by a connector thread extending across the wale-free region at longitudinal intervals, the wale-free region being receptive of a chain of thread loops for attaching the stringer tape to a fabric. A pair of rows of coupling elements is mounted on opposite longitudinal edges of the stringer tapes and taken into and out of interdigitating engagement by a slider movable along the rows of coupling elements. The stringer tapes have at one end thereof a separable bottom end stop. A reinforcement member is mounted on each of the stringer tapes at the one end thereof and connected to the separable bottom end stop.

Abstract: A separable slide fastener comprises a pair of warp-knit stringer tapes each having a pair of webs with a wale-free region therebetween, which are interconnected by a connector thread extending across the wale-free region at longitudinal intervals, the wale-free region being receptive of a chain of thread loops for attaching the stringer tape to a fabric. A pair of rows of coupling elements is mounted on opposite longitudinal edges of the stringer tapes and taken into and out of interdigitating engagement by a slider movable along the rows of coupling elements. The stringer tapes have at one end thereof a separable bottom end stop. A reinforcement member is mounted on each of the stringer tapes at the one end thereof and connected to the separable bottom end stop. The reinforcement member extends between the tape webs across the wale-free region and includes a body having a recess for receiving therein an end of the chain of thread loops on the reinforcement member against displacement thereoff.

Abstract: A separable slide fastener comprises a pair of warp-knit stringer tapes each having a pair of webs with a wale-free region therebetween, which are interconnected by a connector thread extending across the wale-free region at longitudinal intervals, the wale-free region being receptive of a chain of thread loops for attaching the stringer tape to a fabric. A pair of rows of coupling elements is mounted on opposite longitudinal edges of the stringer tapes and taken into and out of interdigitating engagement by a slider movable along the rows of coupling elements. The stringer tapes have at one end thereof a separable bottom end stop. A reinforcement member is mounted on each of the stringer tapes at the one end thereof and connected to the separable bottom end stop.

Abstract: A telescoping fastener which is concealed upon the interconnection of two separate structures or elements is described. A male element is fastened as by a screw extension to one panel and a recess is provided in the other structural element or panel into which the male element is insertable to form the concealed self-locking joint. In the recess is positioned a cage-like female element which is centered on the axis of the recess as by a threaded member, such as a screw. The male element is pressed axially into the female portion and is frictionally gripped by selected parts of the cage impinging against the male portion at entry. This secures the two elements or portions in prevention of axial withdrawal and centers or stabilizes the male element against wobble or float. Where the cage requires strengthening, the strength is achieved by extending the head of the screw for the female element so that it buttresses the caging and may telescopically receive the male element where the male element is tubular.

Abstract: This invention relates to safety clasp for jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, tie tacks, hat pins and the like, and more particularly, to a clasp for jewelry including releasably connected male and female components, generally flat in one dimension. The male component comprises a flat shaped tongue. The female component comprises a tongue guide provided with a groove in which the tongue is slidably mounted. A spring lock release with a tab projecting through a groove for engagement and disengagement with a notch in the tongue. The foregoing elements are housed in a two-part shell fastened together in final assembly.

Abstract: A buckle for receiving a tongue. A pair of helical springs are positioned between the latch and a main body having first slots for receiving one edge of a reinforcement plate which is pivoted downward depressing the latch springs and snapping into place into a yieldable hook shaped portion. A push button is positioned between the reinforcement plate and the cover which has a plurality of downwardly extending hook shaped fingers engaging the plate which secures the cover and main body together.

Abstract: A fastener for a piece of apparel, e.g. a nursing bra, comprises a male and a female portion of resilient plastic material, the female portion being partly shaped as a substantially rectangular frame forming a guide channel for the introduction of a flat shank of the male portion which is integral with a tongue whose free end faces away from the leading end of the shank and forms a stepped transverse edge engageable with a shoulder of a cross-member of the frame in a locking position. A tab integral with the female portion occupies the frame opening on one side of the guide channel and has a free edge overlying the free end of the inserted tongue which is substantially narrower than the tab and can be released from its locking position by finger pressure upon that tab. An asymmetrical hump on the leading end of the shank prevents locking by coming to lie against an internal projection of the frame when the shank is introduced into the channel in an inverted position.

Abstract: For anchoring a mat to the carpet of an automobile against forward movement, a clip for engaging the mat at its rearward edge is operated by a protector plate which shields the clip from impact while also serving to operate the jaws between an open and a closed position. The clip is linked to a hook so as to permit independent lateral and longitudinal movement by the clip with respect to the hook. The hook has a forward facing pin portion for engaging the automobile carpet and an anchoring stud portion extending substantially perpendicularly to said pin portion also for engaging said carpet and resisting the accidental removal of the pin. The hook is made of a springy material and is so shaped as to cause the carpet to be pinched between the pin portion and another part of the hook, thereby providing additional resistance to the withdrawal of the pin from the carpet.

Abstract: A method of forming a fabric from yarns includes wrapping each yarn about a cylindrical pin in the feed zone of a fabric-forming machine and varying the angle of intersection of the pin with the yarn path to permit alternating real twist to pass the pin and become locked in the fabric being formed.

Abstract: In a glow plug for use in a diesel engine of the type wherein a heater rod is connected to one end of a hollow holder, and an external connecting terminal is inserted into the other end of the hollow holder through an electric insulator and electrically connected to the heater rod, an integrally combined terminal unit including a metal pipe, an electric insulator and the external connecting terminal embedded in the insulator is prepared. After inserting the terminal unit into the other end of the hollow holder, an external pressure is applied to the other end to deform the metal pipe for firmly bonding the metal pipe to the insulator. Thereafter an end surface of the other end of the hollow holder is caulked to form an annular ring that holds the inserted terminal unit. With this construction, the completed glow plug is maintained in a perfect air tight state regardless of the variation in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A skiving tool having a retractable knife for use in combination with a roller burnishing tool for finishing the internal surface of a cylindrical hole. The retractable knife includes a pair of radially extendible knife holders defining a camming path having an axial portion and an angled portion. A push dart has a camming element with complementary camming surfaces which rides along the camming path. Axial actuation of the push dart causes the knife holders to extend radially into a stable, locked position. The roller burnishing tool includes a roller race having a central axis and a frustoconical outer surface tapering radially outward and axially forward. A plurality of frustoconically tapered rollers are arranged about the outer surface for rolling engagement with the outer surface with the smaller ends of the rollers facing forward. The taper of the rollers is such that the outermost surface portion of each roller is parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: A self-adjusting resilient roller, particularly for use with a feed roller, to provide for a self-adjusting system whereby the self-adjusting roller will conform to various thicknesses of sheet material between the self-adjusting roller and the feed roller without adjusting the position of the rollers, the self-adjusting roller formed of resilient material having a central axial pasageway for a shaft, and a plurality of smaller generally circular openings surrounding the central passageway and characterized further by a generally triangular opening toward the outer periphery of the self-adjusting roller and between each smaller circular opening, so as to provide a generally uniform wall thickness of resilient material surrounding each of the circular openings in the self-adjusting roller, whereby uniform resiliency under compression is imparted to the roller.

Abstract: Rolls having an elasticity on their outer periphery are used in corrugated fibreboard producing and processing machines. Tubes or tubular sheet adapted to be inflated with gas, elastic cords or strings, elastic tubular sheets, or tubular sheets with air bubbles thereon or therein are used to at least partially cover the outer surface of the rolls, thus giving the rolls an elasticity.

Abstract: A method of making a new high performance heat transfer tube for use in an evaporator of a refrigeration system is disclosed. According to this novel method, a grooved mandrel is placed inside an unformed tube and a tool arbor having a tool gang thereon is rolled over the external surface of the tube. The unformed tube is pressed against the mandrel to form at least one internal rib on the interior of the tube. Simultaneously, at least one external fin convolution is formed on the exterior of the tube. The external fin convolution has depressed sections above the internal rib where the tube is forced into the grooves of the mandrel to form the rib. A smooth roller-like disc on the tool arbor is rolled over the external surface of the tube after the initial formation of the external fin and internal rib. The resulting heat transfer tube has an exterior with a subsurface channel consisting of interconnected cavities and subsurface passages.

Abstract: A tool with a pair of longitudinally translatable components, includes a base with a lip to engage the underside of a boot covering a spark plug of an internal combustion engine. The other component, a slideable tongue, engages the engine head to provide a controlled reaction force against the underside of the boot to force it off the spark plug. The base of the tool may be fitted against the boot for aligning the tool to direct the reaction force in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug. The tool is activated after alignment by manually compressing a handle connected to the tongue to move toward a finger grip rigidly secured to the base. The tongue preferably is connected to the handle by an actuating rod guided by a sleeve mounted on the base.

Abstract: A inexpensive pressure vessel which can be disposed of rather than being repaired once it fails, which includes a cylindrical housing having two chambers separated by a resilient bladder. One chamber is for housing a gas while the second is for housing a fluid such as hydraulic oil. The cylindrical housing contains a port at one end and is open at the opposite end. The end cap which contains a through port and a gas valve is insertable into the open end of the cylindrical housing and is welded thereto. This weld joint in conjunction with a seal formed by attaching the resilient bladder to the end cap, will positively seal the pressure vessel. The unique seal between the end cap, bladder and housing is such that it will not be thermally damaged by the welding process which seals the end cap to the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A method of connecting a mechanical seal ring made of hard metal or ceramic to a supporting ring made of aluminum or stainless steel includes pressing the two rings against each other with such a force that the material of the supporting ring yields.

Abstract: The method of manufacture of a semiconductor device having wirings or electrodes of silicide formed by: exposing parts of a single-crystal silicon layer formed on an insulating substrate, forming a film of metal over the exposed parts, and annealing so that a silicide is formed of the silicon and metal throughout the entire thickness of the silicon layer. The single-crystal silicon layer may be formed on a sapphire or spinel substrate having a film of silicon dioxide, sapphire or spinel, epitaxially grown on a silicon substrate.

Abstract: A method for making magnetic recording heads suitable for mass production with high accuracy.The track width tw or w of the head core is defined by a photolithographic etching method.First, larger grooves are formed by mechanical machining or electrolytic etching to form an outline of the pole piece parts, and then further smaller and shallower grooves are formed with very high accuracy by an etching process, such as electrolytic etching, sputter etching or ion etching at the edges of the first grooves. Thus, the track width of the head core is accurately determined by means of a photolithographic process.

Abstract: An external core member is mounted on a dielectric substrate. The external core member is made of a magnetic material and is formed with a through bore. A coil member is disposed on the substrate and within the through bore. An elastic material casting is formed in the through bore and about the coil member, and having a core receiving bore formed therein. The core receiving bore is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the coil member so as to extend through the coil member at its center portion. A movable core of a magnetic material is movably retained in the core receiving bore.

Abstract: A bearing assembly machine for assembling a double row of needles separated by a spacer ring into a pinion. The assembly elements of the machine are urged by pneumatic cylinders in the direction of assembly. Each assembly element is cam controlled via a crank having one arm operatively connected between the corresponding pheumatic cylinder and the assembly element and the other arm biased against and riding on the perimeter of a cam disc. Each cam disc has a falling segment which allows the advance and a rising segment which overrides the bias of the pneumatic cylinder to cause the assembly element to retract. The pinion and spacer ring are conveyed by a shuttle from respective loading stations to the assembly station where assembly operations take place, and the shuttle is controlled in an analogous manner to the assembly elements.

Abstract: An extraction tool is provided for removing a locking latch from a snap-in socket of an electrical connector housing. The tool has a fork-like portion insertable into the socket for spreading the latter, and has an extendable hook portion for engaging and removing the latch from the connector housing upon spreading of the socket.

Abstract: A disposable razor having one or more blades or cutting elements with a permanently attached, slidable blade cover including actuating means manually operable to slide the cover from a first position in which the razor is inoperable and the cutting elements are shielded and protected from damage to a second position in which the cutting elements have proper exposure and the razor is operative.

Abstract: A cutting tool for sectioning cakes or other foodstuffs, for removing the crown from a cake while it is still in the pan or after it has been removed therefrom, for slicing the cake or foodstuff into any number of horizontal layers and/or dividing the cake or foodstuff into any desired vertical sections. For simply sectioning the cake or foodstuff into horizontal sections or removing the crown from a cake the tool is provided with two notched vertical blades spaced apart to span the cake or foodstuff and a cutting strand is disposed between the blades and drawn through the cake or foodstuff. For simply cutting the cake or foodstuff into vertical sections the cutting strand is removed and two or more vertical blades are spaced apart the desired width and using the edge of the pan or the edge of the cake as a guide for one blade, the tool is drawn through the cake or foodstuff. If additional sectioning is required the blades may then be repositioned to make further spaced vertical cuts.

Abstract: A tool for applying compression, most suitable as an edible nutshell remover, comprises a pair of elongated legs (10,12) hingedly attached at one end (14), with roughened jaw sections (30,34) adjacent the hinge and grasping sections (32,36) remote from the hinge. The legs are shaped such that when they are closed as far as possible the jaw opening diverges so that a nut or other workpiece can be placed at a location whereby maximum closure of the legs will crack the nutshell (42) without damaging the nutmeat (44). Also the jaw sections are curved in a matching convex-concave configuration so that when the legs are closed, the jaw sections will exert a combination of compression and rolling or shear forces upon the workpiece placed therebetween, so as to enhance the effect of the compressive force applied to the workpiece.

Abstract: A power operated tool (20) functions to cut and collect a multitude of precious metal contacts (11,11) from wire spring relays (10). The tool (20) includes a pair of jaws (31,32) that in the open position fit over several rows of contacts (11,11). When the tool (20) is energized, the jaws (31,32) are snapped shut thereby severing the contacts (11,11) from the relays (28). The jaws (31,32) in the closed engaged position define a closed chamber (41) having a port (44) for attachment to a vacuum source for sucking the severed contacts (11,11) into a collection vessel. The jaws (31,32) reopen following collection and the tool (20) is ready to cut the next set of spring contacts (11,11).

Abstract: A tool accommodating interchangeable tool blades comprises a handle for receiving one tool blade in a working position and at least one tool blade in a storage position. A first compartment is defined in the handle for receiving at least one tool blade in a storage position and includes a releasable locking arrangement for releasably locking one tool blade in a storage position. A second compartment is provided in the handle for receiving one tool blade in a working position and includes a second releasable locking arrangement for releasably locking the tool blade in the working position. The tool also includes at least one tool blade including a cooperating locking structure for releasably locking with either of the first or second releasable locking arrangements so as to releasably holding the tool blade assembled with the tool handle in either of the working position or storage position.