Abstract: A flexible force or pressure sensing mat includes a first sheet of electrically conductive first paths, a second sheet of electrically conductive second paths, and a sensing layer positioned between the first and second sheets. The first and second conductive paths are oriented transversely to each other, and the locations of their intersections define individual sensing areas or sensors. The sensing layer is made from materials that have first and second electrical characteristics—such as capacitance and resistance—that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon. A controller repetitively measures the multiple electrical characteristics of each sensor in order to produce a near real time pressure distribution map of the forces sensed by the mat. The mat can be used on a patient support surface—such as a bed, cot, stretcher, recliner, operating table, etc.—to monitor and help reduce the likelihood of a patient developing pressure ulcers.

Abstract: A transducer with a measuring cell and a housing within which the measuring cell is accommodated, The housing has a measurement opening and at least in a fastening section has an electrically insulating surface, wherein the housing has at least one biocidally active surface at least in an area surrounding the measurement opening.

Abstract: A control circuit operably couples to a non-invasive imaging system that utilizes a particular corresponding effective spectrum and receives imaging information as pertains to an object being imaged. The control circuit uses that information to identify the particular corresponding spectrum for the corresponding source of radiation by, at least in part, evaluating candidate spectra as a function, at least in part, of physical likelihood (for example, by identifying a spectrum that is physically unlikely or physically impossible). Evaluating the candidate spectra as a function of physical likelihood can comprise evaluating the candidate spectra with respect to regularization, smoothness, being non-negative, normalization characteristics, monotonic characteristics, envelope limitations, quasi-concave characteristics, and/or consistency with one or more physics models of choice to note but a few options in these regards.

Abstract: A method for installing a probe assembly in a case of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The method may include installing a first portion of the probe assembly within a first section of the case, and installing a second portion of the probe assembly within a second section of the case. A case assembly within a gas turbine engine is also disclosed. The case assembly may include a case in at least one of a compressor and a turbine, and a probe assembly. The probe assembly may include a first portion positioned within a bore of the case, and a second portion positioned within an inset of the case, the bore having a smaller diameter than the inset.

Abstract: A gyroscope device and method are disclosed. An example of the gyroscope device includes a gyroscope element and a frame. A drive element for spinning the gyroscope element which also results in torque on the frame parallel to an axis of rotation of the gyroscope. A first torque application element is mounted on the frame to counter torque produced by the drive element to subsequently restrict the frame from freely rotating in a direction counter to the gyroscope element. A second torque application element imposes a torque on the frame perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the gyroscope element to tilt the axis of the gyroscope and effect direction of motion.

Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission throttle valve allows the transmission response to be correlated with changes in engine torque. The apparatus described herein solves the problem of older vehicles which utilize a fuel management device having a throttle lever that contains no ready attachment point for a throttle valve control device. The apparatus includes an eccentric mount which is installed on the rotatable throttle member of a the management device. The eccentric mount is positioned so as to have an axis of rotation nominally aligned with the axis of rotation of the throttle shaft. An eccentric having an attachment point for a throttle valve cable is installed on the eccentric mount, establishing a fixed mechanism so as to correlate the rate of the transmissions throttle valve travel via displacement of the cable as the throttle member rotates the eccentric.

Abstract: A steering yolk bearing assembly includes a body. The body can include a first end having a flat surface and a second end opposite the first end. The second end can have a concave surface having a radius of curvature, RCS, a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. A first bearing pad can extend from the first lateral side of the concave surface and a second bearing pad can extend from the second lateral side of the concave surface opposite the first bearing pad. Each bearing pad can include a shaft contact surface having a radius of curvature, RSCS, and RSCS?2×RCS.

Abstract: The slide operation-type dovetail groove sliding stage may include a sliding lock screw for locking sliding of a sliding component, by causing the screw to abut on an inverted triangle-shaped protrusion, provided on a sidewall of a sliding component approximately parallel to a sliding direction and coupled to the sliding component, to bring the protrusion into contact with a dovetail of the fixed component and by tightening the screw. The sliding lock screw may be used as a sliding adjustment screw for performing fine adjustment of a degree of sliding of the sliding component with respect to the fixed component by adjusting an amount of rotation of the screw which abuts on the protrusion to bring it into contact with the dovetail of the sliding component, and a driving means which an operator grasps to perform an operation of sliding the sliding component to a desired position.

Abstract: A disconnect shaft arrangement interposes a biasing element between a shoulder formed on the disconnect shaft and a cup-shaped washer, in which the cup-shaped washer is sized and configured to be axially displaceable with respect to the disconnect shaft. The cup-shaped washer selectively engages an axially fixed adjacent structure, such as a thrust washer, during disengagement of the disconnect shaft and attendant spring compression. The present disconnect shaft arrangement obviates the need for a retaining ring against which the spring compresses, such that the relatively deep retaining ring groove needed for such a retaining ring need not be cut into the outer surface of the disconnect shaft. Removal of material in the outer surface of the shaft is therefore minimized, such that the torque transmission capability of the shaft is maximized.

Abstract: A gearbox includes a transmission mechanism and a clutch system including plural clutches. The gearbox has a gear change mechanism that is interlocked with a change pedal shaft to which rotational force by operation of a shift pedal is transmitted and arbitrarily selects a transmission gear of the transmission mechanism to perform gear shift. An ECU can electronically control connection/disconnection of the clutch system according to a shift position of the gear change mechanism.

Abstract: A compound transmission shift mechanism is disclosed. The shift mechanism includes a plurality of gears configured on at least one transmission shaft with at least one synchronizer configured to engage at least two of the plurality of gears. The shift mechanism includes a control system configured to engage and position the synchronizer into alignment with the at least two of the plurality of gears. Additionally, the shift mechanism includes at least one damping assembly configured on the control system and operatively connected to the synchronizer.

Abstract: A shifting device for a transmission unit, in particular for a vehicle which is operated by muscle force is disclosed. The shifting device has a first partial transmission and a second partial transmission, which are connected in series for power transmission. The first partial transmission has a shaft, which is formed as a hollow shaft and on which a plurality of loose wheels is mounted which form a corresponding plurality of gearwheels wheel pairs of the first partial transmission. The loose wheels can be connected to the shaft by means of selecting devices in order to form different gear stages of the first partial transmission, wherein the selecting devices can be actuated by a camshaft arranged in the shaft. The selecting devices of the first partial transmission are designed as selectable free-running clutches and the second partial transmission has a plurality of selectable gear stages.

Abstract: A threaded spindle (11), having a drive part (20), which has a longitudinal axis (A) and is mounted in a first journal (70), and having a threaded part (30), which likewise has a longitudinal axis (B), and having a threaded nut (50), which is mounted in a second journal (80a; 80b) and in which the threaded part (30) is guided. The drive part (20) and the threaded part (30) are formed as separate parts and are each provided with at least one coupling element (25, 55), which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by plugging together. A mutual offset or inclination angle (a) of the longitudinal axes (A, B) of the drive part (20) and of the threaded part (30) can be compensated in this manner. The two-part threaded spindle (11) forms a threaded drive with the threaded nut (50) thereof, which can for example be used in a parking brake of a vehicle braking system.

Abstract: A worm-gear assembly including a worm screw having at least one groove and a wheel having a plurality of rotatable pins along its periphery for engaging the worm screw. The pins are able to rotate in a direction other than a direction of wheel rotation. At least one raceway is provided for contacting pins that are not engaged with the worm screw during operation of the assembly.

Abstract: A gear includes teeth 3 to be engaged with teeth of a corresponding gear to transmit a rotational motion, in which a form (b) of a tooth root side of each tooth 3 includes: a first curved surface c which smoothly connects with a tooth surface a having an involute curve and has a profile represented by a curve which is convex in a direction opposite to the involute curve of the tooth surface a; and a second curved surface d which smoothly connects with the first curved surface c and has a profile defined by a quadratic function having a curve being convex in the same direction as that of the first curved surface c. Therefore, a stress generated on the tooth root side at the time of engagement with the teeth of the corresponding gear can be reduced, and the strength of the teeth can be increased.

Abstract: A shift lever for a vehicle with an integrated operating element for selecting and adjusting functions of the vehicle. The shift lever includes, but is not limited to a shift lever portion with the function of a shift lever knob has an operating element, which is pivot-moveably connected to a shift lever rod via a pivot joint, the pivot joint being designed for pivoting the shift lever knob relative to the shift lever rod in at least one pivot plane, and a sensor for generating a sensor signal which is dependent on the angular position of the shift lever knob in the pivot plane relative to the shift lever rod and which determines the selected function, is provided. A motor vehicle is also provided with this shift lever.

Abstract: An operation unit provided on a grip part of a steering wheel, and having an operation panel in which contact operations are possible by the fingers of an operator; an operation detection unit that detects contact operations with respect to the operation panel with a predetermined coordinate system as a reference; a display control unit that controls the display of a display device according to the contact operations detected by the operation detection unit; a correction unit that corrects a coordinate system according to a steering angle detected by a steering angle detection device; and a correction prohibition device that, based on at least one from among contact operations detected by the operation detection device, a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor, and a speed detected by a speed sensor, prohibits correction of the coordinate system by the correction unit.

Abstract: An intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system is usable with mobile robots, and is applicable to stationary industrial arms. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system provides a large work envelope and a controlled and directed rotational movement for a flexible snake robot arm. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system has the ability to change end effector tools and sensors. The platform computers have the ability to interact with other subsystems for coordinated as well as independent tasks. The flexibly snake robot arm can be covered with a flexible sensor network, or “skin”. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system can manage its energy use, stores the arm in a compact shape and uses a central support tube offering unobstructed arm access to all sectors of its working envelope.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a first arm having a base end portion rotatably connected to an arm base, and a second arm having a base end portion rotatably connected to a tip end portion of the first arm and a tip end portion to which a robot hand is rotatably connected. Further, the robot arm includes a link unit having a base end portion rotatably supported with respect to the arm base and a tip end portion inserted into the first arm at an intermediate portion of the first arm and supported to make relative rotation with respect to the first arm. The link unit rotates the second arm with respect to the first arm by transmitting the relative rotation to the base end portion of the second arm.

Abstract: An arm member has: a first rod and a second rod each of which has a rod side joint portion which is assembled with the counterpart joint portion; and a connecting member which interconnects the two rods. The assembled state of the rod side joint portion with the counterpart joint portions is released by separating the two rods from each other for a predetermined distance or more. The connecting member includes: a first connecting piece disposed on the first rod; a second connecting piece disposed on the second rod; a spring member which is installed between the two connecting pieces and biases the two rods in directions to approach each other; and a regulating member that regulates displacement of the two rods in the departing directions, so that the distance between the two rods becomes less than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a possibly reversible mechanical assembly, comprising a first component (1), a second link itself comprising a stud (3) linked to the first component (1) and formed of a stock (30) terminated by a radial bulge (31), and holding means (4) linked to the second component (2) and comprising a housing (40) dimensioned to receive the stud (3) and at least one elastic lock (41) designed to elastically hold the radial bulge of the stud in the housing (40). According to the invention, the housing (40) is formed by drilling of the second component (2) along its thickness, and each elastic lock (41) is essentially formed by an elastically flexible lug (41) formed in the thickness of the second component (2) and exhibiting a degree of radial play of non-zero amplitude.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle has a rotatably mounted steering spindle and a motor-powered steering assistance device for steer angle superposition and/or torque assistance. The steering assistance device is connected to the steering spindle by at least one transmission element, and the steering spindle has at least two steering spindle parts connected to one another in torque-transmitting fashion. The steering spindle parts connected to one another in at the steering spindle between the transmission element and a steering wheel connection of the steering spindle, by at least one damping body for damping vibrations transmitted via the steering spindle. At least one of the steering spindle parts is rotatably mounted in a casing unit of the steering column. In the damping body, there is formed a cavity into which the casing unit can slide preferably in the event of a crash-induced deformation and/or displacement within the steering column.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a multiple piece shifter cable system. The cable pieces may each have a core section with a connector and a conduit section with a connector. The core connectors may be coupled together to connect the core sections of the cable pieces and the conduit connectors may be coupled together to connect the conduit sections of the cable pieces. When the conduit connectors are mated together the core connectors may automatically be mated together, and the core connectors may automatically be locked together as well. In at least some implementations, the conduit connectors may permit adjustment of the total length of the conduit during assembly, and a clamp may be provided to maintain the conduit connectors in a desired assembled position.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal comprising a housing for a pedal arm with a drum, a rotor coupled to the drum and including a contactor that slides against a strip of resistive material in the housing, and an assembly for setting and locking the index position of the rotor. In one embodiment, the rotor extends through a window that is defined in the housing and limits the movement of the rotor during the index setting operation. In one embodiment, a plastic pin that is either separate from or unitary with the rotor is fitted into a slot defined in the drum. In another embodiment, a potting material is deposited and cured in the slot in the drum for locking the pin in the slot. In another embodiment, the pin is unitary with the drum of the pedal arm and is press-fitted into a slot in the rotor. In a further embodiment, the drum and rotor include respective plates and the pin is a clip that locks the plates together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for influencing at least one climatic parameter and more specifically the device is provided to influence a zone meant for handling.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle includes a drive unit having a drive member rotatable around an axis of rotation (A) and at least one centrifugal mass pendulum unit having a deflection mass carrier and a deflection mass arrangement supported at the deflection mass carrier such that it can be deflected from a basic relative position with respect to the latter by a deflection mass coupling arrangement. A radial distance of the deflection mass arrangement relative to the axis of rotation (A) thereof changes when the deflection mass arrangement is deflected from the basic relative position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fracture splitting workpieces and to a workpiece that is produced according to such a method. According to the invention, the feed rate and/or the laser pulse is modulated during the laser machining process dependent on the workpiece geometry and/or the laser power.

Abstract: A pedal for a bicycle has two connecting boards and multiple fixing elements. The connecting boards are connected to each other and each connecting board has a shaft recess, a protruding segment, a recessed segment and multiple mounting recesses. The protruding segment and the recessed segment are respectively formed on an inner side of the connecting board beside the shaft recess. The protruding segment has an opening hole, an outer protruding tab, an inner protruding tab and multiple through holes. The recessed segment has an opening hole, an outer recess, an inner recess and multiple through holes. The fixing elements are connected to the connecting boards, and each fixing element has a fastener and a mounting head. The fastener is mounted in two through holes of the connecting boards and has two anti-slipping protrusions, a connecting head and an outer thread. The mounting head is screwed with the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device for a rotating feed rod, the safety device preventing the abnormal rotation of the rotating feed rod and being provided with: a rotating member (102, 202) which is provided in any rotating shaft (50, 80) of a power transmission mechanism of the rotating feed rod and in which a plurality of openings (102a, 202a) are formed in the circumferential direction thereof; and at least two plunger pins (104, 106: 204, 206) which are disposed apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating member in a housing (54, 62) of the rotating feed rod and provided to be movable forward and backward so as to be accepted in the openings of the rotating member. Even when the rotating shaft is indexed at an arbitrarily defined rotational position, at least one plunger pin among the plunger pins is accepted in the opening.

Abstract: The method is used to obtain metals, noble metals, and rare earth metals from scrap. The aim of the invention is to provide a method that allows an efficient recovery even from electronic scrap. This is achieved in that the scrap and carbon-containing materials (A) are oxidized with oxygen containing gases (11) in the presence of alkaline materials under overall reducing conditions with an overall lambda of <1 in an updraft gasifier (2) with a bulk material moving bed, said gasifier having a reduction zone (13) and an oxidation zone (7). The resulting syngas is drawn at the upper part (16) of the updraft gasifier, and the metals, noble metals, and rare earth metals are bound at least partly to the alkaline materials as oxides and/or in elementary form. Finally, said metals are obtained from the process as an enriched mixture (B) by means of physical separation methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to an open-ended wrench device, consisting of two pivoting arms diametrically opposed on either side of the open-ended wrench. The open-ended wrench device of the claimed invention can be used in plumbing situations in small, enclosed or obstructed spaces. Specifically, the device can be fitted over a fixture, such as a nut underneath a sink with the pivoting arms in the down position. In order to tighten or loosen the fixture in the enclosed space, the pivoting arms can be raised as much as the space permits in order to allow a user to apply the necessary toque to the wrench. The invention further consists of interchangeable plates which can be removably inserted into a slot of the wrench opening to accommodate fixtures of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A holding sleeve and a rod tool including the same and fabrication methods thereof are provided. The holding sleeve is adapted to dispose around a body portion of a main body and can rotate relative to the body portion. A blocking member is disposed in at least one through hole of a first sleeve. A second sleeve is movable relative to and disposed around the first sleeve. The blocking member is controllably pressed by the second sleeve to be partially received in an annular groove of the body portion. An elastic member is disposed around and between the first sleeve the first and second sleeves. Before the second sleeve is mounted to the first sleeve, a part of the elastic member corresponds to the blocking member in a radial direction of the first sleeve and can limit the blocking member to locate in the through hole.

Abstract: A screw bit holder includes a handle. The handle has a chamber at an upper part thereof. The handle includes a first fixing rod fixed at a lower end thereof for mounting a screw bit. A fixing shaft is provided in the chamber of the handle for fixing a plurality of screw bits. The fixing shaft comprises a second fixing rod at one end thereof. The second fixing rod is adapted to fix the screw bit for timepiece. The screw bit holder further comprises a fixing disc. The fixing disc has a central through hole. The fixing disc is fitted on the outside of the fixing shaft through the through hole. The fixing disc has a plurality of fixing troughs around an outer side thereof. The screw bits are secured through the fixing troughs. The screw bits can be stored in the handle to prevent them from losing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand tool having a pressing spring. The hand tool comprises a grip part and a tool part. The tool part comprises a tool rod, a tool rod pivot head, a pair of external fixing pieces and a pressing spring. The pair of external fixing pieces is pivotally connected to the tool rod pivot head. When the tool rod is rotated, a relationship between the tool rod and the pair of external fixing pieces is switchable to one of a collinear relationship or a vertical relationship thereof, and the tool rod is pressed by the pressing spring without being loose after switching. Accordingly, the present invention has advantages and effects of directly switching, firm and stable positioning and not easy to be loose, and so on.

Abstract: An angle adjusting structure of a ratchet wrench includes a shank, a driving head, a located member, a spring and a detent member. The shank includes a pivot socket and a limiting portion. The pivot socket has a first pivoting portion and a bottom surface, the limiting portion is adjoined to the pivot socket and includes a limiting hole. The driving head includes a second pivoting portion which is pivotally connected to the first pivoting portion and has a plurality of meshing teeth. The located member is slidably located on the bottom surface. The located member includes a plurality of engagement teeth and a sliding rail, the engagement teeth is for meshing the meshing teeth, the sliding rail is correspondingly located on an outside of the limiting hole. The spring is located in the limiting hole. The detent member is connected to the spring and the sliding rail.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a shank, a sleeve, a control member, a pressing member, an end piece and a resilient member. The shank has multiple annular grooves. The control member and the resilient member are located in the chamber of the sleeve and the end piece closes the sleeve. The shank extends through the control member and the end piece. When the pressing member is not applied by a force, the sleeve can only rotate relative to the shank and cannot move relative to the shank. When the sleeve is applied by a force, the sleeve can move relative to the shank.

Abstract: A pair of pliers having replaceable jaws is provided. The first plier member has a handle and a jaw assembly. The first plier member jaw assembly includes a body defining an elongated slot and having at least one guide surface. The second plier member has a handle assembly and a jaw assembly. The second plier member jaw assembly is selectively disposed in one of two configurations, a first configuration, wherein the second plier member jaw assembly is separated from the first plier member, and a second configuration, wherein the second plier member jaw assembly is slidably coupled to the first plier member with the second plier member jaw assembly guide member at least one guide surface slidably engaging the first plier member jaw assembly body at least one guide surface.

Abstract: A combination tool of the locknut wrench type, which includes a leveling device and a screwdriver blade on the opposite end. The locknut head and screwdriver ends may be interchanged depending on the size locknut wrench needed and the type of screwdriver needed.

Abstract: A screw cutting tool for cutting a screw comprising a first grip having a first cutting aperture, a second grip pivotally connected to the first grip, the second grip having a second cutting aperture, a measuring scale attached to a proximal end of the first or second grip, and a screw holder slidably attached to the measuring scale having a hole extending therethrough, wherein the hole aligns with the first and second cutting apertures in at least one position.

Abstract: A method and a device for transporting a fiber contour cut out from a planar woven fabric for producing a preform by a vacuum gripper. The method comprises the following method steps: a) a fiber contour is cut out from the woven fabric on a cutting table, b) a vacuum gripper moves over the fiber contour and brings a surface of the transport plate in contact with the cut-out fiber contour and a holding plate in contact with the planar woven fabric, c) the fiber contour is fastened to the transport plate by a vacuum device and through-holes in the transport plate and is lifted from the cutting table, while the holding plate fastens the woven fabric to the cutting table, d) after the transport plate is lifted, the vacuum gripper and/or the holding plate is/are lifted from the cutting table and the fiber contour is transported by the vacuum gripper.

Abstract: A dust protection method for a glass substrate cutter includes the following steps: (1) providing a cutter and a glass-substrate-to-be-cut, wherein the cutter includes a cutter body, a cutting blade, a cover plate assembly, and suction tubes, the cover plate assembly forming a first slit corresponding to the cutting blade: (2) positioning and fixing the glass-substrate-to-be-cut on the cutter body and closing the cover plate to form a second slit between the glass-substrate-to-be-cut and the cover plate; (3) introducing a pressurized gas flow into the second slit at edges of the glass-substrate-to-be-cut and activating the suction tubes to draw in the gas; and (4) controlling the cutting blade to proceed with a cutting operation along the first slit to complete the processing of the glass substrate.

Abstract: A power tool includes a sensing circuit mounted on a printed circuit card is electrically connected to a switching power supply that supplies electrical power to the sensing circuit. The sensing circuit is not connected to earth ground to enable detection of an operator approaching a moving implement without the operator necessarily being electrically connected to earth ground.

Abstract: A microtome for producing sections of a specimen having a knife for sectioning the specimen and a cooling apparatus for cooling a gaseous coolant cooling the specimen. A database stores data of various tissue types and target temperatures that are allocated to these various tissue types. A reading unit is adapted to read a code from a specimen or from a specimen carrier unit allocated to the specimen and a control unit is adapted to determine the tissue type of the tissue of the specimen by the code that has been read. The control unit is adapted to read the target temperature of the specimen to be sectioned for controlling the cooling apparatus and setting this target temperature and is adapted to control the cooling apparatus such that the cooling power is controlled to preset target temperature.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a drive link having a conditioning portion to be used in conjunction with one or more dresser links of a saw chain to condition a sharpening element. The dresser links may include left and right dresser links configured to contact the sharpening element in first and second contact regions which may not overlap, leaving a gap. The conditioning portion of the drive link may contact the sharpening element in a third contact region that includes at least a portion of the gap between the first and second contact regions.

Abstract: A rotary die cutting system includes a die cutting roll having at least one blade thereon for cutting a web, and an indicator on the surface of the die cutting roll indicating the position of the at least one blade. An anvil roll, spaced from the die cutting roll defines a web path therebeween. A drive mechanism drives the die cutting roll. A first sensor senses the indicator on the surface of the die cutting roll, and a control, responsive to the first sensor, operates the drive mechanism to adjust the rotational position of the die cutting roll to align the die cutting roll relative to the web passing through the web path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powered saw (2) of the chop saw or mitre saw form. A circular blade is mounted to be rotated and is pivotally movable between raised and lowered position via movement of a support arm (26) with respect to the base (4). The support arm (26) is mounted on a slide (12) which is received within a bearing assembly (10). Means (52, 54) are provided to prevent debris and other material from entering the bearing assembly (10) thereby ensuring accurate and smooth movement between the slide (12) and the bearing assembly (10).

Abstract: A blade for slicing food comprising: a blade edge and a recess, wherein at least one dimension of the recess is at least 140 mm and at most 450 mm.

Abstract: A blade clamp for use in an automated, high speed potato slicing apparatus to slice chips to a predetermined size for packaging purposes. The blade clamp includes a cutting head; a blade mount having a slot therein; a first knife element between the cutting head and the blade mount, the first knife element having a first cutting edge; and optionally a second knife element having a second knife edge, the second knife element extending from the slot of the blade mount, such that the first and second cutting edges are substantially orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw blade comprising a longitudinal body having a first end and a second end and a first longitudinal cutting edge parallel to a second longitudinal cutting edge. The blade includes a mounting, structure located at the first end which is angled at an acute angle relative to the first longitudinal cutting edge. At least one of the first longitudinal cutting edge and the second longitudinal cutting, edge has a plurality of teeth oriented for cutting on the substantially push stroke.

Abstract: A method and optical fiber stripper for removing one or more coatings from an optical fiber is disclosed. The method includes inserting an optical fiber into an optical fiber stripper comprising a pair of fiber stress distributing elements, wherein a normal stress is applied to the fiber by the fiber stress distributing elements along the length of fiber intended to be stripped. The optical fiber stripper includes a pair of grip members, a cutting mechanism, and a pair of fiber stress distributing elements.