Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.

Abstract: A low-noise liquid distribution system for delivering a liquid to a user on demand includes a reservoir and a tank oriented in an inverted position over the reservoir for distributing liquid from the tank to the reservoir. A vent tube has an inlet end that is located outside of the tank and an outlet end that is located in the tank above the liquid level. With this arrangement, when an opening of the tank and the vent tube are at, or immersed below, a level of liquid in the reservoir, the liquid is held within the tank by a combination of vacuum pressure acting on the liquid in the tank and atmospheric pressure acting on the liquid in the reservoir. However, when at least the vent tube is above the level of liquid in the reservoir, the vacuum within the tank is broken as air travels into the tank by way of the vent tube. Accordingly, liquid in the tank is delivered to the reservoir without the formation of air bubbles and their associated noise.

Abstract: The fluid delivery system comprises a Coriolis mass flowmeter, a pump, a recirculation valve, and/or a back-pressure valve. The fluid delivery system prevents the measurement of a multiphase fluid flow without the need for an air eliminator and strainer. The Coriolis mass flowmeter measures the density value of the fluid product being delivered from a fluid source to a destination. The Coriolis mass flowmeter compares the measured density value to at least one of an upper threshold density value and a lower threshold density value. If the measured density value exceeds the at least one of the upper density value or the lower density value, the flowmeter automatically shuts down the pump and closes the back-pressure valve to stop the delivery of the fluid product from the fluid source to the destination to prevent the measurement of a multiphase fluid flow.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a body member (1) having a bore (10) defining a fluid flow passageway. A resiliently-biased piston member (2) is mounted in said passageway for movement relative to the body member (1) in response to the differential fluid pressure across the valve. The piston member (2) defines an annular throttling orifice (28) between said piston member and said bore. At least a portion (10a) of the passageway has a non-uniform cross-section, such that the size of the annular orifice (28) depends on the position of the piston member relative to the body member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a check valve for a piston pump of a hydraulic traction-controlled vehicle brake system. The check valve is embodied in one piece as a helical spring with a closure disk on one face end of the helical spring and a base ring for fastening the check valve on another face end of the helical spring, and that the check valve be produced as a plastic injection-molded part.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated valve system for controlling fluid flow through a first conduit and a second conduit. A first sealing structure associated with the first conduit is moveable in response to a magnetic force to an open position and spring biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the first conduit. A second sealing structure associated with the second conduit is moveable in response to a magnetic force in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction, to an open position and biased toward a closed position. The closed position prevents fluid flow through the second conduit. A magnetic actuator assembly is constructed and arranged to actuate the first and second sealing assemblies substantially simultaneously by moving the first and second sealing structures in the first and second directions, respectively.

Abstract: A station for mounting a steam/condensate responsive device in a condensate return line comprises a housing block having front and back faces, opposite end faces and top and bottom faces. The back face has a mount for removably mounting a steam/condensate responsive device. The end faces has inlet and outlet ports for connection in a condensate return line. The bottom face has a third port. An inlet valve and outlet valve are operatively interposed between and control flow between the mount and corresponding ones of the inlet and outlet ports. The inlet and outlet valves are located on and extending forward from the front face. The inlet and outlet valves are angled acutely upwardly along the front face. A compact manifold assembly mounts a plurality of such stations. A screen may be interposed between the inlet valve and mount to bar contaminant particles from the steam/condensate responsive device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a group of valve components to regulate the flow of water in hot and cold water mixer taps, which comprises a mixer valve with a cartridge type body provided with reference pins and is intended to be housed, superimposed and in association with at least a pressure regulator, in a tap body. The superimposed mixer valve (10) and al least pressure regulator (11) are assembled together by fastening screws (14, 16, 19, 111′) in order to form a block to be inserted into/removed from the tap body as a single group.

Abstract: The servovalve comprises an electric motor and a distributor valve integrating a hydraulic slide under the control of said electric motor and further comprising two load channels pierced in a central rod on which blocks are mounted for co-operating with communication orifices of the distributor valve and co-operating with one another and with the ends of the hydraulic slide to define annular chambers including two load chambers connected to the receiver member to be controlled. The two load channels put each of the load chambers into communication respectively with an immediately adjacent annular chamber so as to ensure that the same pressure exists on both sides of the blocks separating said two chambers.

Abstract: To provide a compact spacer type pressure reducing valve capable of adjusting pressure in two output ports.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive applicator of a slot die type or other type having an air supply to an adhesive service block through solenoids controlling the ON-OFF of the pneumatic adhesive applicator valves is disclosed. One or more air valves are directly mounted to the service block through an intervening air supply manifold base plate positioned atop an insulation plate to significantly decrease the air path length and decrease the response time of the air valve. In the preferred embodiment, the insulation element is mounted within an elongate recess formed in the top surface of the service block. The insulation element is formed with cutouts to reduce the mass of the insulation element and provide better air insulation exposure between the bottom surface of the valve base manifold and the bottom of the recess exposed by the cutouts. Other improvements are also disclosed for use with or without the direct mounting of the air valve to the service block.

Abstract: A liquid diluting device, with a small and simple structure, is capable of reliably sealing and simply changing dilution concentration. Diluent passages are formed in a first body, and a connecting passage for introducing special liquid connects to these diluent passages. A cylindrical dial covering an opening section of the connecting passage is rotatably provided on an outer section of the first body, a plurality of jets passing through from the inside to the outside are formed in conjunction with this cylindrical dial, and the diameters of the plurality of jets are different. A liquid supply passage is set at a position opposite the connecting passage, so that the cylindrical dial is sandwiched between the liquid supply passage and the connecting passage, and the connecting passage and the liquid supply passage are connected by a jet having a diameter matching the dilution factor to introduce special liquid from the liquid supply passage to one of the diluent passages.

Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus for a system conveying a liquid under pressure is provided. The apparatus includes a liquid-conveying unit or the like that includes three chambers disposed in series. At least one of the chambers contains no tube. A first tube is disposed in one of the chambers and has a first end connected to and in fluid communication with an inlet or outlet end of its chamber. A second, free end of the tube is spaced by an open gap from the outlet or inlet end of such chamber. The tube has at least one aperture in the free end and/or on the peripheral surface thereof for providing fluid communication between the tube and its chamber. A second tube can be disposed in the remaining chamber.

Abstract: A flexible hose adapted construction for conveying fluids under pressure. The construction includes a core tube having a circumferential inner core tube surface and an opposing circumferential outer core tube surface. A first reinforcement layer surrounds the outer core tube surface, and is formed of one or more filaments of a first fiber. A second fiber reinforcement layer surrounds the first reinforcement layer, and is formed of one or more filaments of a second fiber. The first and second reinforcement layers are bonded together by means of a bonding agent such as an adhesive, resin, plasticizer, tackifier, or solvent, the application of which is controlled to wet only a portion of the filaments of the reinforcement layers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plastic jacket having air spaces formed by spaced walls used to insulate hot and cold piping systems and the fittings for those systems. The jacket is made from multiple segments, which are joined together along their longitudinal joints. The segments are joined to each other by tongue and groove connections. One segment can be cut longitudinally and glued to another segment to make a larger segment to fit various diameters of pipe. In a further embodiment, the plastic jacket is modified to form the duct of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The inner wall of the jacket forms the air duct. In both embodiments, at least some of the segments have hinge portions created by omitting the inner wall at the hinge portions.

Abstract: In order to achieve optimal weight and volume of a hydrogen storage apparatus, there is provided a method of charging hydrogen to a hydrogen storage apparatus. The hydrogen storage apparatus 1 includes a hydrogen storage means accommodating a hydrogen occlusive alloy (MH tank assembly) 3, and a hydrogen tank (high-pressure hydrogen tank) 2 that is provided separately from the hydrogen storage means 3 and stores hydrogen in gaseous form. Hydrogen is filled so that a pressure in the hydrogen tank is higher than that in the hydrogen storage means. A decompressing means (charger regulator) 6 is provided for reducing a pressure of hydrogen fed to the hydrogen storage apparatus 1 to maintain the pressure in a predetermined pressure range. The hydrogen storage apparatus 1 may include more than one of the hydrogen occlusive alloy tank (MH tank) 31.

Abstract: The invention is a control mechanism for controlling the flow of a particulate material through a conduit and comprises a bladder mounted within the conduit that is inflatable between a first, deflated state and a second, inflated state. In its first, deflated state the bladder allows the particulate material to flow freely through the conduit, and in its second, inflated state the conduit is substantially blocked by the inflated bladder and no particulate material may pass. An alternate embodiment of an exteriorly mounted control mechanism comprises a stopper that is moved between a first, open position away from an open end of the conduit and a second, closed position in which the stopper is in sealing contact with end of the conduit.

Abstract: A removable retaining bracket that prevents removal of a connection fitting from a gas distribution system component is described. The retaining bracket has a base that defines an opening that accepts the connection fitting and prevents removal of the fitting from the gas distribution component. The retaining bracket extends along the gas distribution system component and defines openings in which a securing component is positioned. The openings are positioned to locate the securing component to prevent removal of the retaining bracket.

Abstract: Soldering flux compositions are provided useful for soldering radiators of motor vehicles and heat exchanger assemblies in general. Soldering flux compositions include certain fluorine containing compounds found to reduce the undesirable formation of flux tank precipitates and staining of soldered products. Such soldering flux compositions do not compromise the performance of soldering flux in terms of flux efficiency and high temperature life.

Abstract: The present invention includes bainitic steel doctor blades, bainitic steel coating blades, bainitic steel creping blades and bainitic steel rule die knives used in gravure printing, flexographic printing, paper making, die cutting of materials including paper, plastic, foam, leather, etc. Other uses include printing processes such as pad printing and electrostatic printing. The invention also includes an improved method for producing bainitic steel strip. The present invention is accomplished by using bainitic steel components that exhibit superior straightness and wear properties and are bendable around small radii.

Abstract: A free machining aluminum alloy contains an effective amount of one or more high melting point constituents that provide enhanced machining capability. The high melting point constituents occupy from about 0.1 to about 3.0 volume percent of the aluminum alloy. The constituents can be any material that is essentially insoluble in the aluminum alloy matrix so as to form a discontinuity and one that will resist deformation during machining to enhance the formation of voids between the matrix and the free machining constituents. The constituents include elements, nitrides, oxides, borides, carbides, silicides, aluminides and combinations thereof that have a high melting point and high strength and low solubility in aluminum at the elevated temperature so that the constituents resist deformation during the machining operation. The free machining aluminum alloy can be formed as a workpiece and subjected to any machining operation.

Abstract: A method for producing an autogenous welded tubular metal article having a substantially uniform grain size, including the weld-affected area thereof. This is achieved by applying to the metal article a series of cold reduction and annealing operations that in combination render the grain size of the weld-affected area uniform with respect to the remainder of the cross-section of the article, and particular the visual appearance of the cross-section.

Abstract: An auxiliary groove is formed in tire circumferential direction on a tire central plane of an pneumatic tire according to the present invention. This auxiliary groove is formed, whereby a negative ratio of a center region other than the lug groove is set to 10% to 25%. Thus, a tread heat radiation quantity can be decreased, and a surface area of a tire can be increased. As a result, heat radiation properties can be improved. In addition, as long as the negative ratio is within the above set range, the wear of the tread can be reduced to the minimum. Namely, according to the present invention, there can be provided an pneumatic tire capable of both reducing the wear of the tread to the minimum and improving a heat radiation effect.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with at least one longitudinal groove extending in the tire circumferential direction and blocks adjacent to one side of the at least one longitudinal groove, each of the blocks being provided with a cut-slope on a corner between the block's top surface and a lateral face facing the longitudinal groove, the cut-slope inclining towards the bottom of the longitudinal groove, and the axial width of the cut-slope gradually decreasing from a middle point of the cut-slope towards each side thereof in the circumferential direction, whereby the vehicle overturn marginal during high speed running is improved.

Abstract: A tread for a tire has a tread pattern embodying a plurality of blocks which are defined by cutouts of longitudinal and transverse general orientation, each block having a contact face and lateral faces, the intersection of each lateral face with the contact face forming a ridge, the ridge(s) which is (are) first to come into contact forming the leading edge of the element, the lateral face intersecting the contact face along the leading edge constituting the leading face, a plurality of blocks having leading faces which a taper at an angle at most equal to 5°. Each block is provided with a plurality of wells opening on to the contact face of said block, the average direction of each well forming an angle &bgr;1 at least equal to 10° with a line perpendicular to said contact face, the wells having average sections of between 0.2 and 12 mm2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire having a tread of lug and groove configuration of a black-colored, carbon black reinforced rubber composition, wherein at least a portion of the visible surface of at least one of said grooves, exclusive of the outer surface portion of said carbon black reinforced rubber lugs intended to be ground-contacting, is of a non-black colored, synthetic amorphous silica reinforced rubber composition exclusive of carbon black.

Abstract: A weight (18) is set into the lower portion of an annular space (34) in a tire (16). The weight (18) may be a precast concrete member shaped to fit into and extend chordwise of the annular space (34). The weight (18) is wider than the distance between the tire sidewalls (24, 26). When inserted into the tire (16), the weight (18) pushes the sidewalls (24, 26) apart and flattens the bottom portion of the tread (32). The weight (18) at the bottom of the tire (16) and an air space (48) at the top of the tire (16) act together to hold the tire (16) in a substantially upright position. Corrodible iron inserts may be added to the tire (16).

Abstract: Rubber blends of brominated isobutylene/para-methylstyrene copolymers of 9.5 to 20 weight percent aromatic monomer content and 0.2 to 1.0 mole percent benzylic bromine content. The blends have good cure characteristics, good adhesion and flex crack resistance, as well as ozone resistance. The blends are useful in tire sidewalls, and other applications.

Abstract: A motorcycle tire including a highly convex tread joined by two sidewalls of low height to two beads, each bead being reinforced by an inextensible annular element around which is anchored a carcass reinforcement formed of textile reinforcement elements forming with the circumferential direction an angle of between 70° and 90°, the carcass reinforcement being radially surmounted by a crown reinforcement formed of at least one ply of circumferential reinforcement elements, located radially between the carcass reinforcement and the radially outermost ply of the crown reinforcement, and of two plies of elements of textile material, which are crossed from one ply to the next and forming with the circumferential direction angles of between 65° and 85°.

Abstract: A method for making wallboard or backerboard sheets which are relatively lightweight, strong, and which have good fire resistance, thermal insulation, and sound absorbing properties includes forming core material having opposing first and second major surfaces and comprising aerated concrete, securing at least one face layer on at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the core material, and cutting the core material and at least one face layer secured thereto into a plurality of wallboard or backerboard sheets. The provision of aerated concrete for the core provides many key advantages over conventional gypsum wallboard sheets, and/or conventional backerboard sheets, such as gypsum greenboard or cementitious backerboard, for example. In one class of embodiments, the method may further include curing the core material prior to securing the at least one face layer thereto. In another class, the method may further include curing the core material after securing the at least one face layer thereto.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a particle board which is improved at its entirety in the resistance to water without impairing its performance as a bearing board member and provide a method of making the particle board.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ultrasonic processing of workpieces (6) with a vibratory structure (1) comprising a sonotrode (3) and a converter (2). Energy is fed to the converter (2) by means of an ultrasonic generator (7), which is switched on and off by electrical switch-on and switch-off signals respectively, only for the duration of processing cycles. According to the invention the switch-off signals are generated on the basis of at least one state parameter (P) of the generator (7). (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for vibrating, melting and creating well-bonded resin parts. Pressing the resin parts is started and then the pressing force is increased sharply to a predetermined value and the resin parts are vibrated to heat the resin part contact surfaces. After heat generation is started, the pressing force is increased gradually to a time, when the vibrating of the resin parts is finished, to push out the heated resin material from the contact surfaces. This exposes the new surface of the resin material which is heated at a low degree and thus can prevent the resin material at the contact surface from excessive heat and degradation. Thereafter, the vibration of the resin parts is stopped to solidify the resin material which is not degraded and is in a uniform, melted state throughout the contact surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for automatically casting separately molded bowl and rim members and then connecting them together while both are in an upside down position. During the connection of the rim to the bowl, the bowl is preferably supported on two opposing sides by the mold. These procedures reduce deformation of the cast bowl while it is still in a “greenware” condition.

Abstract: An improved repair bridge for windshield repair which is easier to drag along in proper position, a repair bridge which inherently applies a balanced force on opposite sides of the chip/crack, a bridge which requires substantially less adjustment bolt force, and which is provided with an adjustment bolt force gauge so that even a novice will be able to apply optimum crack spreading force without enlarging the crack. The generally U shaped bridge comprises: a left arm portion, a right arm portion, and a middle portion extending between and connecting the arm portions. Two upright finger bolts are each matingly threaded through an unconnected end portion of one of the arms; and, two plastic suction cups are each carried by a central portion of one of the arms. An upright resin injection head is adjustably screwed through the middle portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprising a tread portion, a pair of sidewall portions and a pair of bead portions is manufactured by conducting the venting in a portion of a green tire placed in a vulcanization mold prior to vulcanization and corresponding to the sidewall portion in at least one place in a radial direction of the tire during the vulcanization.

Abstract: A supply of sheet stock material for use in a cushioning conversion machine is disclosed. The supply of stock material includes at least one ply of sheet stock material rolled or folded into a compact configuration such as a roll of wound stock material or a stack of fan-folded stock material. The ply has disposed on a leading or trailing end thereof, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a removable release liner covering the pressure sensitive adhesive layer. When a supply of sheet stock material is almost spent, a succeeding supply of stock material may be spliced to the almost spent supply by removing the release liner to expose the adhesive and then applying the leading or trailing end, having the adhesive thereon, to a trailing end of the almost spent supply of stock material or leading end of the succeeding supply of stock material.

Abstract: A method for production of simultaneous lap and butt joints directs electromagnetic radiation (12) through a radiation transmitting material coupling (40) having an absorbing material (44) formed as a portion of coupling (40) that absorbs radiation (12) with the generation of heat. The heat provides sufficient molten material in interfaces (50a, 50b, and 50c) to fuse and bond: 1) pipe ends (14, 24) to each other in a butt joint (22), 2) pipe end portion (16) to sleeve (40) in a lap joint (28a), and 3) pipe end portion (26) to sleeve (40) in a lap joint (28b). A coupling (40) is preformed with integral or surface applied radiation absorbing material (44) to provide rapid joint assembly and consistent weld production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a spunbonded fabric from thermobonded crimped bicomponent fibers. The bicomponent fibers each consist of two plastic materials with different properties. The inventive method comprises three steps: in the first step, the uncrimped fibers spun from the two plastic materials are detached and drawn. In the second step, the fibers are placed on a perforated belt and thermobonded.

Abstract: A placer mechanism for a web of linerless labels for placing individual labels on a product includes a separator that separates the individual labels from the web, a buffer disposed downstream of the separator that receives the individual labels, and a buffer suspension assembly movably supporting the buffer such that the buffer is positionable to deliver the individual labels to the product. The buffer is preferably a rotatable vacuum drum that is capable of accommodating labels of various lengths and widths. In addition, the buffer suspension assembly preferably enables the rotatable vacuum drum to be displaced to meet the product to which the label is to be affixed. A method of placing individual labels is also provided.

Abstract: A thin film bonding method for bonding a thin film to an target surface by using an adhesive agent includes the steps of: applying the adhesive agent on the target surface and mounting the thin film on the adhesive agent; applying a a fluid pressure on the target surface and the thin film from a central portion to an circumference according to lapse of time, so as to allow the thin film and the target surface to be bonded partially; and hardening the adhesive agent. The compressive force using the fluid having a magnetic force in the thin film bonding proceeds in a spiral form from the central portion to the circumference of the disk according to lapse of time, so that the air trap existing in the adhesive agent can be effectively removed, and thus, the flatness of the disk can be prevented from degradation due to the air trap.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for making a roll of tissue using opposingly located adhesive applicators that apply adhesive to opposingly located anilox rolls. Adhesive is transferred from the anilox rolls to opposingly located print rolls. The print rolls apply a void-free layer of adhesive to opposing sides of a central ply which passes between the print rolls. As the central ply passes between opposingly located nip rolls, at least one additional ply is laminated to one side of the central ply and at least one other ply is laminated to the opposing side of the central ply.

Abstract: A carrier has a metal area that is essentially composed of copper. A chip has a rear side metallization layer. A buffer layer, essentially composed of nickel and having a thickness of between 5 &mgr;m and 10 &mgr;m, is arranged on the metal area. The chip does not have a chip housing and is arranged on the metal area, which has been provided with the buffer layer, such that only one connecting medium is arranged between the rear side metallization layer of the chip and the buffer layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for laminating textile sheet materials onto moldable foam or onto foamed moldings, using, as an adhesive, a polymer preparation based on copolymers of one or more monomers selected from the group comprising vinyl esters, acrylates, methacrylates, vinylaromatics and vinyl chloride and from 0.01 to 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the copolymer, of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing carboxyl groups.

Abstract: An IC tag and label are provided which allow data to be recorded on the surface thereof, are free from security problem that the inner IC circuit or wiring circuit can be seen through, exhibit excellent strength and water resistance, can be used even in the atmosphere and water and can be used for frozen food vessels, industrial products, various chemical vessels, etc. and for flow control, production line control, etc. The IC tag has a laminated structure that includes a thermoplastic resin film layer (A), an adhesive layer (D), and an IC circuit layer (B) or an IC circuit protective layer (C) having a hole containing an IC circuit layer (B). The IC label has a laminated structure that includes a thermoplastic resin film layer (A), an adhesive layer (D), an IC circuit layer (B) or an IC circuit protective layer (C) having a hole containing an IC circuit layer (B), and an adhesive layer (G). An airline tag includes the IC label.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powders-affixed nonwoven fabric prepared from a fiber web comprising fine short fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 &mgr;m or less and a fiber length of 3 mm or less in a dispersed state in the fiber web, and powder materials affixed to the fiber web formed by a method other than a wet-laid method. Further, a process for manufacturing the powders-affixed nonwoven fabric, and a sheet material comprising the powders-affixed nonwoven fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of end-products made of acrylic fiber, for external use, by the joining of one or more sheets with a copolyamide adhesive, resistant to solar light, the above junction been effected by the melting of said adhesive on the acrylic matrix and subsequent pressing of the glued area with a system capable of exerting an adequate pressure.

Abstract: The invention is an adhesive composition comprising

Abstract: A method for producing an inkjet printhead element comprises providing a thinfilm die and a barrier layer thereon, wherein the barrier layer comprises a thermoplastic component and a thermoset component. The barrier layer is heated such that the barrier layer becomes tacky. The orifice plate is aligned to the barrier layer and is brought into contact with the barrier layer. Here, the orifice plate is held in place on the barrier layer by the tackiness of the barrier layer. Finally, the assembly of the thin film die, the barrier layer and the orifice plate is subjected to a stake and bake process to attach the orifice plate permanently to the barrier layer and, hence, to the thin film die.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping a coating from a coated optical fiber. The apparatus has a pair of opposed blade holders, one end of each blade holder being adapted to releasably receive and retain a blade. The opposed ends of the blade holders are joined with a flexible member. The opposed blade holders are movable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position edges of the blades are in a parallel spaced apart position, spaced to grip a coated optical fiber between the plastic blades. The plastic blades are selected and positioned to grip and to effect cracking of the coating while minimizing damage to the optical fiber when a coated optical fiber is placed and moved between the closed blades.