Abstract: The present disclosure is in one aspect to a dispenser for rolled sheet materials. The dispenser includes a feed roller that is rotatably mounted to a housing of the dispenser housing, and that is configured to feed a predetermined amount of sheet material from the supply of sheet material through a discharge provided along the housing of the dispenser. The dispenser also has a feed roller drive assembly with a drive motor, and a belt transmission assembly. The belt transmission assembly has a drive belt coupled to the drive motor and to the feed roller such that rotation of the feed roller is driven by operation of the drive motor.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine for converting an expandable pre-slit sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product includes an improved expansion assembly that provides means for adjusting the spacing between axes of rotation of components through which the sheet stock material is drawn. The adjustability enables pre-slit sheet stock materials of differing thicknesses and/or having differing slit patterns to be fed through the expansion assembly with no or minimal compression of an expanded dunnage product, jamming in the conversion machine, bunching, and/or tearing of the pre-slit sheet stock material or expanded dunnage product resulting from expansion of the pre-slit sheet stock material.

Abstract: Embodiments of a ticket burster employ a dividing wall that is movable between different positions to facilitate dispensing tickets of different sizes, and a sensor that detects and communicates the position of the dividing wall to a controller. The controller communicates with feed motors to selectively operate feed drive rollers independently or in unison depending upon the detected position of the dividing wall.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for coating a solid wood floor and a solid wood floor are provided. The method for coating a solid wood floor includes providing a solid wood floor, where the solid wood floor has two side surfaces defining boundaries of a width dimension of the solid wood floor; and providing a polyethylene protective film, and adhering the polyethylene protective film to at least one of the two side surfaces. Therefore, external moisture can be prevented from entering the solid wood floor so as to avoid deformation of the floor due to moisture; an external dust, water, etc. can be prevented from entering between two adjacent solid wood floors; an overall appearance of the laid solid wood floors will not be affected by the coating; when the laid solid wood floors are subjected to force, no noise will be emitted, thereby improving customer satisfaction.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of labeling a plurality of products includes coating a pressure sensitive adhesive to a roll of face stock, the roll of face stock configured to be converted to a plurality of individual labels aligned in a single lane; singulating an individual label from the roll of face stock; and applying the individual label to a product of the plurality of products, wherein the coating, singulating and applying are conducted sequentially in a single continuous operation with a single continuous web of material.

Abstract: A method and device for producing individual strip-shaped objects. The method and device supply substantially rectangular sheets from which strip-shaped objects are to be formed. In forming the individual strips, the method and device separate an individual strip from the sheet along a front most groove, which forms a predetermined spacing between the individual consecutive separated strips for a subsequent onward conveying of the formed strips. Next, the method and device detect an actual position of each individually separated strip during the separation of the strips from the sheet, and corrects the position of the individual separated strips if the detected actual position of the strip does not correspond to a position which matches the predetermined spacing between the individual consecutive strips.

Abstract: An apparatus applies a food coating to a food product. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing the food coating and a food coating applicator for applying the food coating from the hopper onto the food product. The apparatus also includes a basin for catching unused food coating and a return conveyor for moving unused food coating from the basin to the breading hopper.

Abstract: The subject innovation relates to a furnace and a method for treatment of at least one workpiece in the furnace, wherein the workpiece is heated up in a chamber of the furnace by at least two heating units which are each associated with a workpiece having a first side and a second side, and whereby a first heating unit heats up the first side of the workpiece and a second heating unit heats up the second side of the workpiece. Further, each heating unit comprises at least two pressure pistons with heatable contact surfaces that are arranged next to each other and with the same orientation. Contact is made between the first side of the workpiece and the contact surfaces of the first heating unit, and in that contact is likewise made between the second side of the workpiece and the contact surfaces of the second heating unit.

Abstract: The machine for cracking a connecting rod comprises an electro press with an electric motor (400) for actuating an expandable element. The electro press comprises a first S actuator part (410) and a second actuator part (430) arranged so that when the first actuator part is driven by the electric motor (400) from a first position to a second position, (a) the first actuator part (410) is first driven by the electric motor (400) from said first position (FIG. 12A) to an intermediate position (FIG. 12B), without displacing the second actuator part (430), and (b) subsequently the first actuator part (410) is further driven by the electric motor (400) from said intermediate position (FIG. 12B) to said second position (FIG. 12C), displacing the second actuator part from a non-expanding position to an expanding position.

Abstract: In some examples, printing device performance analysis may include actuating a motor to operate a first separation tire of a printing device in a first rotary direction. The first separation tire may be operable adjacent to a second separation tire rotatable in a second rotary direction that is opposite to the first rotary direction to separate physical media. Printing device performance analysis may further include actuating the motor to operate the first separation tire in the second rotary direction, and determining whether a motor torque difference of the motor between the first and second rotary directions is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A lottery ticket distribution device (10) for dispensing scratch-off lottery tickets, which includes; a housing, a lottery ticket feeding device, a cutter (36), a guiding press plate (38), and a guiding press plate drive device and a control device (23). The guiding press plate drive device includes a linear electromagnet (50), a lever (51), a pulling plate (52) and a spring (53). The linear motion of the linear electromagnet (50) pushes the lever (51) to rotate, and the rotation of the lever (51) drives the pulling plate (52) and the guiding press plate (38) connected to the pulling plate (52) to rotate, so that a lottery ticket tape (16) is bent toward the cutter (36). The lottery tickets feeding device makes the lottery tickets to roll back, thereby a lottery ticket is separated.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a first driving portion transporting a paper sheet; a printing portion being disposed on an upstream side of the first driving portion in a transporting direction of the transported paper sheet, including a plurality of aligned ejection ports ejecting liquid onto the transporting paper sheet to print an image on the paper sheet by the liquid; a drawing portion being disposed on an upstream side of the printing portion in the transporting direction, drawing the paper sheet of which a tip end is placed at a preset position, and feeding the paper sheet to a transporting path via the printing portion and the first driving portion; and a guiding portion being interposed between the printing portion and the first driving portion in the transporting direction, and when feeding the paper sheet, freely reciprocating between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A web for forming sealed air filled pouches includes a plurality of fold seals that seal first and second elongated layers together along a fold area defining first and second chambers. The fold seals create a cushioned area along a fold area when the first chamber is folded over the second chamber. Also disclosed is a device for separating air filled pouches. The device includes a first stage including a first belt operating at a first speed and a second stage including a second belt operating at a second speed. The web passes through the first stage before passing through the second stage. A pouch is separated from the web at the lines of perforations when a relative speed of the first belt is slower than a speed of the second belt by a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ticket dispensing machine and method for housing one or more independently operable and serviceable ticket burster machines for dispensing perforated tickets of all shapes, sizes and thicknesses. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior section of the housing, at least one drawer mounted within the interior section of the housing, at least one ticket burster machine capable of cooperatively engaging a chamber within the drawer and dispensing tickets through an exit flag arrangement, and a moving wall apparatus secured to the housing at a position near the exit flag arrangement of the ticket burster machine, such that tickets leaving the ticket bursting machine are influenced downward by the moving wall apparatus.

Abstract: The invention which is the subject of this application is apparatus and a method for the application of labels to articles-, via adhesive or other mechanical location means. The labels are provided in a label supply (2) with respective labels (8) defined by a line of weakening (6) formed by slits (12) or perforations and the line of weakening includes at least one aperture (12) provided for engagement by a tool (12) at the time when the line of weakening is required to be broken to separate the leading label and allow the same to be applied to the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a flat display panel prevents a light emitting surface of a flat display panel from being damaged due to a pit or a scratch. The apparatus for cutting a flat display panel includes a stage supporting a rear substrate of the flat display panel, a chip blocking unit disposed to correspond to a non-scrap portion of the flat display panel, and a scrap breaker to grip a scrap portion of the flat display panel that is to be separated from the flat display panel. A scribing line is formed between the scrap portion and a non-scrap portion of the flat display panel.

Abstract: Upstream and downstream grippers clamp to one or more seal zones on a bandolier of packaged premiums, such that the downstream gripper(s) and upstream clipper(a) are on opposite sides of a wakened separation line. The upstream and downstream gripper(s) are independently displaced by motive devices in a downstream direction. Further displacement of the downstream gripper(s) relative to the upstream gripper(s) causes the separation line to tear, thus separating an end premium package from the rest of the bandolier. In one embodiment, the grippers clamp to the seal zones at locations offset from the bandolier axis and to one side thereof, thus causing a gradual tearing along the separation line and easier, less stressful separation.

Abstract: The connecting rod as a vehicle engine component is manufactured by a connecting rod fracture splitting method. The connecting rod is provided with a large end portion, a small end portion and a rod portion connecting the large and small end portions, the large end portion being provided with a connecting rod body and a cap which are split from each other along a fracture-split surface formed thereto. The connecting rod is subjected to fracture splitting by inserting a large end-side shaft into a through hole formed in the large end portion, fixing the large end-side shaft to a large end-side support, inserting a small end-side shaft into a through hole formed in the small end portion, fixing the small end-side shaft to a small end-side support, and pulling at least one of the large end-side support and small end-side support away from another one of both the supports.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a fragile, packaged premium from a bandolier of packaged premiums includes a number of gripping pairs disposed along an axis of travel. The gripping pairs are designed to grip the premium packaging at pre-defined grip zones along the peripheral edges of the wrapper without clamping onto the premium-containing portion of the package. Preferably, the gripping pairs are sets of endless tracks that are beveled away from the contact surface of each tread such that the beveled surfaces are superimposed on a marginal portion of the premium-containing zone so as to assist in centering the bandolier on the axis of travel.

Abstract: A system for detecting and registering serrated bags includes a web including a plurality of bags connected in an end-to-end arrangement, each bag including a first and second side, a first and second longitudinal end, a transverse seal, a serration disposed transversely across the bag, and a tab integrally connected to the bag at a portion of but less than the entire extent of the tab; a device for projecting a stream of air on each bag as the web passes a predetermined location; and a first and a second pair of nip rolls, each disposed downstream of the device, and adapted to accommodate the web, and to drive at different speeds such that a lead bag is separated from the web.

Abstract: The present invention provides an independently operable and serviceable ticket burster machine that properly handles perforated tickets of all shapes, sizes and thicknesses. The present invention includes a ticket burster element, an exit sensor with a mechanical flag switch, an inventory flag spanning the entire width of the ticket input slot and having an optical slot switch, a slidable ticket guide, one or more leaf spring arrangements and versatile and durable rollers.

Abstract: A multi-channel separation mechanism assembly for a lottery or other ticket dispensing machine includes a separate detachable feed mechanism associated with each separate feed channel, such that the feed mechanism for a single channel can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire assembly. Each such detachable feed mechanism includes a compact transmission wherein drive is efficiently transferred from a vertically-oriented feed motor to horizontally-oriented feed rollers. Each feed channel is additionally equipped with a bidirectional mechanical flag which triggers an optical sensor to detect presence of a ticket strip in the channel while still allowing appropriate reverse motion of the ticket strip within the associated channel.

Abstract: A separating apparatus is described for separating interconnected cushions by breaking weakening lines provided between these cushions. To this end, the apparatus includes at least one circulating element and a conveyor for carrying the interconnected cushions along the circulating element. The circulating element is arranged for engaging the interconnected cushions at least once during a circulating movement of the circulating element, in order to carry one of these cushions along over a part of the circulating movement at a carrying speed which is higher than a conveying speed of the conveyor. An apparatus is described for manufacturing cushions by filling chambers formed in film material with a gas and then sealing them.

Abstract: An automatic cutting device is described for cutting an assembly. The assembly includes a material having a weakened zone therein that defines a useful layer and being attached to a source substrate. The cutting device includes a cutting mechanism and a holding and positioning mechanism operatively associated with the cutting mechanism. The holding and positioning mechanism positions the material so that the cutting mechanism detaches the layer from the source substrate along the weakened zone. The cutting device also includes a control mechanism for adjusting at least two different portions of the assembly during detachment of the layer to facilitate a more precise detachment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a web material are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a bedroll and a chop off roll. The bedroll includes a bedroll blade and a bedroll web pin. The chop off roll includes a pin pad and a plurality of chop off roll blades. The bedroll web pin and the bedroll blade mesh with the pin pad and the chop off roll blades. The chop off roll blades are moved relative to the bedroll blade, stretching and separating the web material. The web pin perforates the web material and may completely or partially separate a portion of the web material. The web pin and the separated portion perforate the pin pad. The separated portion is stripped from the web pin as the pin passes out of the pin pad.

Abstract: Apparatus for causing paper webs to tear off within rewinding machines, the web (2) being provided, at regular intervals, with transverse perforation which subdivide the web into sheets joined to each other but able to be separated in correspondence of said perforation lines, the apparatus comprising a device to cause the tearing of the web (2) upon the passage of a perforation line (p) which separates the last sheet of a log (RO) in the course of formation from the first sheet of the next log to be formed, characterized in that the tearing device is a pneumatic type device (SP) able to direct a jet of compressed air toward the line (p).

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a fragile, packaged premium from a bandolier of packaged premiums includes a number of gripping pairs disposed along an axis of travel. The gripping pairs are designed to grip the premium packaging at pre-defined grip zones along the peripheral edges of the wrapper without clamping onto the premium-containing portion of the package. Preferably, the gripping pairs are sets of endless tracks that are beveled away from the contact surface of each tread such that the beveled surfaces are superimposed on a marginal portion of the premium-containing zone so as to assist in centering the bandolier on the axis of travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for partially separating bags in a longitudinally extended continuous flattened extruded tubular web having a series of seal lines and rupturable separation lines defining a series of separable individual bags. A rupturing member applies force perpendicular to a portion of the surface of the web while the web moves and is under tension in the longitudinal direction and thereby causes the separation lines to partially rupture, leaving a slot in the middle of each separation line and leaving the outer portions of each separation line intact, so that the position of the separation line can be readily determined by a person holding a roll of partially separated bags.

Abstract: A system for removing chips from a web is disclosed, the system having a rotationally variable speed shoe for receiving a chip, a rotationally constant speed transfer roll for receiving a portion of a web from a die and anvil system, with the shoe initially rotating at a constant speed, slowing to allow a portion of the web to rip away from the chip at a leading rotational edge of the chip, next increasing in rotational speed to allow the chip to rip away from the web at a trailing rotational edge of the chip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaving an optical fiber. The method includes supporting a connector in a fixed axial position along an axis of an optical fiber extending from an end of the connector, and placing an axial tension along the axis of the optical fiber. A fiber engaging member is moved along an arcuate path such that a sharpened blade tip of the fiber engaging member cuts across a cut location of the optical fiber. The axial tension induces crack propagation through the thickness of the optical fiber at the cut location.

Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment has: a positioning functionality that sequentially locates, at a predefined bight, coupons of a continuous web of coupons; a burst functionality whereby a foremost coupon is separated at the predefined bight from a next coupon of the continuous web of coupons; a staging functionality whereby the separated foremost coupon is moved to a staging position; and an insertion functionality whereby the first coupon is inserted into a container. In another embodiment the first coupon is inserted into a container only after the next coupon is separated from the continuous web. In another embodiment after the second coupon is sensed, the first coupon is burst and inserted into a container.

Abstract: The dispenser dispenses tickets such as instant-winner lottery tickets from a strip in which the individual tickets are delineated by perforation lines. The dispenser includes a separator to tear the tickets apart before issuing them from the machine. The separator preferably is rotary and has a dull helical blade which rotates to contact the ticket strip adjacent a perforation line, and presses against the strip to tear the tickets apart along the perforation line at a point which progresses across the strip along the perforation line. Preferably, a bar code reader is provided for reading codes on tickets in the dispensing machine. The bar code reader is used in reading information from the tickets to initialize the dispenser control system and in accounting for the sale of tickets, and in the verification of winning tickets being sold. A game is provided in which the concept is that a jackpot is built up using the detection of each ticket sold.

Abstract: A coupon insertion apparatus configured for sequentially inserting coupons into receiving containers, including a machine frame, at least one pair of opposed rollers mounted to the frame and adjustable between a closed position and an open position. A drive system includes a drive belt for simultaneously driving the opposed rollers in both of the positions. A tensioner is connected to the belt and is movable generally transversely to a direction of the adjustment of the drive rollers to maintain a designated tension on the drive belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and separating a string of interconnected packing cushions comprises a packing cushion production machine which produces a string of interconnected packing cushions, the string of interconnected packing cushions exiting an output end of the machine at a first velocity, and a separation device associated with the output end of the machine, the separation device adapted to selectively engage the string of interconnected packing cushions and to drive the string at a second velocity, greater than the first velocity, and in doing so to cause the string of interconnected packing cushions to separate.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags or layflat tubing comprises a web selector for selecting and advancing a web from the plurality of rolls; a bag driver for advancing the selected web and separating a bag from the web; and a bag transfer device for transporting the separated bag from the bag driver to a location for processing. A sealer/cutter is used to produce a bag from the layflat tubing. A method of selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags or layflat tubing comprises selecting and advancing a web from the plurality of rolls of serrated bags; advancing the selected web and separating a bag from the web; and transporting the separated bag to a location for further processing. In the case of layflat tubing, the selected web is sealed and cut to make a bag.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for removing a film (2) of a package (3) of objects having an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis comprises two pairs of rollers (7 and 12) suitable for pressing on the film (2) externally to hold the package (3) in place in a removal station (8); the two pairs of rollers are operatively connected to respective motor drives so as to apply a mechanical stretching to portions (13 and 14) of the film (2) in order to tear them, thus enabling the first pair (7) of rollers to remove the film (2) and free the objects from the package. Known film removal apparatus require means for cutting the packaging film longitudinally, so that the speed of the apparatus is limited according to the length of the package and there is a risk of objects being damaged during cutting.

Abstract: A coupon insertion apparatus configured for sequentially inserting coupons into receiving containers, including a machine frame, at least one pair of opposed rollers mounted to the frame and adjustable between a closed position and an open position. A moving carriage system including a main carriage housing having one roller of each of the at least one pair of rollers that are automatically slidably adjustable between open and closed positions. A control system is constructed and arranged for automating the movement of the main carriage relative to the machine frame.

Abstract: To manufacture a connecting rod including positioning grooves having a function of positioning a bearing metal at low cost. A big end part of a split type connecting rod is fractured in two after inserting an approximately cylindrical die into a bearing hole. The die has projections corresponding to locking grooves on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The die includes a pair of split dies having tapered faces, each expanding an opening on an edge of an end face of each of the split die halves. The tapered faces are formed by partially notching mating surfaces by pressing the inner circumferential surface of the bearing hole with the projections by a movement of the pair of split dies in a radial direction of the bearing hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing and separating a string of interconnected packing cushions comprises a packing cushion production machine which produces a string of interconnected packing cushions, the string of interconnected packing cushions exiting an output end of the machine at a first velocity, and a separation device associated with the output end of the machine, the separation device adapted to selectively engage the string of interconnected packing cushions and to drive the string at a second velocity, greater than the first velocity, and in doing so to cause the string of interconnected packing cushions to separate.

Abstract: A coupon insertion apparatus configured for sequentially inserting coupons into receiving containers, including a machine frame, at least one pair of opposed rollers mounted to the frame and adjustable between a closed position and an open position. A moving carriage system including a main carriage housing having one roller of each of the at least one pair of rollers that are automatically slidably adjustable between open and closed positions. A control system is constructed and arranged for automating the movement of the main carriage relative to the machine frame.

Abstract: A multi-channel separation mechanism assembly for a lottery or other ticket dispensing machine includes a separate detachable feed mechanism associated with each separate feed channel, such that the feed mechanism for a single channel can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire assembly. Each such detachable feed mechanism includes a compact transmission wherein drive is efficiently transferred from a vertically-oriented feed motor to horizontally-oriented feed rollers. Each feed channel is additionally equipped with a bidirectional mechanical flag which triggers an optical sensor to detect presence of a ticket strip in the channel while still allowing appropriate reverse motion of the ticket strip within the associated channel.

Abstract: A method of operating an inserter with infeed and outfeed each driven by a separate servo motor. A controller independently energizes the servo motors to drive the infeed and outfeed to position a continuous feed of objects with a first object in the outfeed and a web between the first and second objects within a bursting space. The outfeed exerts tension on the continuous feed when the web is within the bursting gap. The web is burst and the first object is ejected from the outfeed into an item on a production line. An inserter with separate servo motors driving the infeed and the outfeed to position objects of a continuous feed, to burst webs between the objects by generating tension in the webs and to eject the burst objects from the inserter.

Abstract: A printer tear bar and presenter system for printing on a strip of media and presenting a portion of the media to a user. The media comprises a plurality of perforations and a plurality of bridges of connecting material separating the perforations. The tear bar comprises first and second side portions and a center portion. The side portions and the center portions are adapted to abut the surface of the media so that friction creates stress on the bridges of connecting material. The first and second side portions are preferably tapered to concentrate tearing stress on corresponding bridges of connecting material. The printer and control circuitry are adapted to advance the media rapidly after the printer has finished printing to prevent users from pulling on the media prematurely.

Abstract: A wafer dividing apparatus for dividing a wafer whose strength is reduced along a plurality of dividing lines, along the dividing lines, which comprises a tape holding means for holding a protective tape affixed to one side of the wafer; and wafer dividing means, each comprising a plurality of tension application means comprising a first suction-holding member and a second suction-holding member for suction-holding the wafer held on the tape holding means through the protective tape on both sides of a dividing line, and moving means for moving the first suction-holding members and the second suction-holding members in such directions that they separate from each other.

Abstract: A printer tear bar and presenter system for printing on a strip of media and presenting a portion of the media to a user. The media comprises a plurality of perforations and a plurality of bridges of connecting material separating the perforations. The tear bar comprises first and second side portions and a center portion. The side portions and the center portions are adapted to abut the surface of the media so that friction creates stress on the bridges of connecting material. The first and second side portions are preferably tapered to concentrate tearing stress on corresponding bridges of connecting material. The printer and control circuitry are adapted to advance the media rapidly after the printer has finished printing to prevent users from pulling on the media prematurely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying a working force to a workpiece, using a working cylinder. The device includes a working piston, an actuation chamber that can be supplied with a hydraulic medium, a recirculation chamber that can be supplied with a gaseous medium and a force transmission device that co-operates with the working piston. This allows a transmission or an application of the working force to a workpiece that is as rapid as possible with a technical construction that is as simple as possible.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser includes a number of ticket bins mounted in a housing of the dispenser. The ticket bins hold a fanfold stack of tickets proximate a transparent front panel of the dispenser for optimum visibility. The ticket bins are adjustably mounted in the dispenser for proper positioning in one of a variety of positions depending upon the size and configuration of the stack of fanfold tickets. The tickets are transported from the ticket stack upwardly over a guide by a ticket transport mechanism for processing by a powered separator to separate the adjacent tickets apart prior to dispensing. Excessive stress is not placed on the tickets which in prior art dispensers resulted in prematurely bursting the perforated joints apart or damaging the tickets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a web material are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a bedroll and a chop off roll. The bedroll includes a bedroll blade and a bedroll web pin. The chop off roll includes a pin pad and a plurality of chop off roll blades. The bedroll web pin, and the bedroll blade, mesh with the pin pad and the chop off roll blades. The chop off roll blades are moved relative to the bedroll blade, stretching and separating the web material. The web pin perforates the web material and may completely or partially separate a portion of the web material. The web pin and the separated portion perforate the pin pad. The separated portion is stripped from the web pin as the pin passes out of the pin pad.

Abstract: A method of cleaving an optical fiber and apparatus therefor including a hand tool wherein the optical fiber to be cleaved (6) has a natural path. The method of cleaving includes deflecting the optical fiber (6) away from its natural path in a first direction and at a point spaced longitudinal along the length of the fiber deflecting the optical fiber in a second direction opposed to the first direction. The opposing deflection induce internal stresses in the fiber that extend substantially across the core of the optical fiber over a region of the length of the optical fiber. The fiber may then be scratched in this region with a cleaving blade (5) so as to induce cleaving of the optical fiber. The cleaving is controlled by controlling the internal stresses induced in the fiber by in turn controlling the degree of deflection induced in the fiber. Further the fiber (6) may be placed under extension to assist in the control of the stresses induced.

Abstract: Lottery ticket dispensing housings are provided with a hinged, transparent rear and top cover, a hinged front wall, and a powered ticket drive and separator module. A relatively tall embodiment of the dispenser with a small footprint is fitted onto the countertop of a check-out counter of a retail store. The top of the housing is flat so as to provide a convenient place for customers to write checks with the tickets being displayed immediately below being highly visible to the customer. A display of relatively flat and short dispensers is provided wherein a rack or housing supports the dispensers one a top of the other in a vertical array. The dispensers are shifted laterally with respect to one another to as to give greater viewability of the contents of each of the dispensers to a customer. The length of each dispenser can be decreased with the increasing elevation of the dispenser so as to provide a vertical alignment of the front sides of the dispensers, the side through which tickets are dispensed.