Abstract: A lottery ticket dispensing machine includes a ticket dispensing mechanism for advancing a continuous strip of lottery tickets therethrough and subsequent separation of the selected number of tickets from the continuous strip. The machine includes a framing assembly for housing the dispensing mechanism which is controlled by a computer driven printed circuit board for determining the distance that the continuous strip of tickets will travel. The dispensing mechanism is powered by a motor for rotation of a set of pinch rollers and forward feed advancement of the continuous strip of lottery tickets therethrough.

Abstract: An improved device or tool is provided for cleaving angled ends on to at least one optical fiber (1) (FIG. 1) in which spring means (6) and co-operating pivotally mounted clamping blocks (7a, 7b) are employed to clamp and tension the optical fiber (1) with tension (T). A sharp corner edge (11) of an anvil (10) is used to locally deflect or displace the fiber (1) and bend it about the opposing sharp corner edge (12) of the clamping surface (5) of one of the clamping blocks (viz 7b) so that the fiber experiences a localized shear force. The resultant stress is a superposition of tension and shear and is directed away from the axis of the fiber (1). An acutely angled blade (13) is operable to score the fiber (1) at a point between the two opposing corners (11, 12). The fiber (1) cleaves with ends which are consistently angled at between 1° and 20° (preferably 5° to 10°) away from the perpendicular to the fiber axis.

Abstract: A device for removing a pill from its package including a lower base portion having a generally rectangular configuration. The lower base portion has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls. The front wall has an upper arm and a lower arm extending outwardly therefrom whereby the upper arm is contiguous with the top wall and the lower arm is contiguous with the bottom wall. The upper arm has an aperture therethrough. An upper arm portion is hingedly coupled with the lower base portion. The upper arm portion is comprised of an elongated central section, a downwardly turned back portion, and a forward head portion. The forward head portion has a downwardly extending protrusion secured thereto. The protrusion is aligned with the aperture in the upper arm of the lower base portion.

Abstract: A pill splitting device is provided. The device may be comprised of a first portion hingeably coupled to a second portion. The lower portion includes a storage area and a pill holding region. The upper portion includes a cutting member located such that when the upper and lower portions are placed in a closed position, a pill within the pill holding region is split. In one aspect of the device, one or more surfaces of the pill holding region are coated with an elastomer, the elastomer enhancing the pill holding aspects of the device. In another aspect of the device, one or more surfaces of the pill holding region are grooved or ridged, the grooves or ridges enhancing the pill holding aspects of the device. In another aspect of the device, the upper, the lower, or both the upper and lower portions of the device are fabricated from transparent or semi-transparent material, thus allowing a user to monitor the pill cutting process and to potentially avoid situations in which the pill moves prior to being cut.

Abstract: An extraction apparatus for extracting or separating cut or partially cut pieces or parts from a cut sheet at an extraction station comprises: a sheet gripping and moving device for gripping and moving a cut or partially cut sheet through an extraction station; and an extraction roller at the extraction station positioned for movement transversely of a cut sheet and being constructed, arranged and operated to move transversely of the path of movement of the cut sheet when the leading edge scrap web of the cut sheet is adjacent the extraction roller to engage and deflect the scrap web of the cut sheet passing through the gripping and moving device away from the cut pieces or parts.

Abstract: A device for dividing laminated glass (3) has two supports for laminated glass (3) which has been scratched (13, 14) on both sides and in a gap (4) between them two beams (5) which are made as suction beams. The beams (5) can be swivelled using drives (8) around horizontal axes (6) which are parallel to the dividing line such that the laminated glass (3) is arched on the one hand up and then down. By the swivelling of the beams (5) and the associated arching of the laminated glass pane (3) the fractures in the two glass panes (9, 10) are opened along the scratch lines (13, 14) which were produced beforehand, the scratch line (13) or (14) which lies on the convex side of the arched laminated glass pane (3) being opened.

Abstract: A method of cutting a wafer of a semiconductor material, including breaking the wafer along cutting paths using a knife hitting a sheet supporting the wafer in a frame. The method includes using knives of different lengths according to the wafer region in which the cutting path is located using a tool block including apparatus for receiving at least two knives of different lengths and for rotating step-by-step around an axis to change the knife that is active in the wafer cutting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cutting glass mother material involving preparing the plate glass mother material in which a plurality of grooves are scribed, disposing the plate glass mother material with the grooves turned inward; and pressing an outer surface of the plate glass mother material with a cushioning member having a thickness not to be protruded downward from a lowermost portion of an indenter, with the cushioning member being attached onto an under surface of an indenter base excluding the indenter, pressing a portion opposite to the groove on the outer surface with the indenter having a stretched shape, and cutting the plate glass mother material.

Abstract: A method of converting at least one strip of flexible material 12 into at least one stack of folded members 46. The method includes the step of conveying a number of festoons 20 formed from a strip of flexible material 12. The method is characterized by the step of depositing the respective festoons 20 into a stack of folded members 46. In the preferred method, the step of depositing the respective festoons 20 into a stack of folded members 46 can be characterized further by the steps of: (i) laying an initial flap 36 of flexible material 12 on a stacking surface 24; (ii) creating a first folded member 44 by placing a first festoon 42 on the initial flap 36 of flexible material 12; and (iii) creating additional folded members by placing each festoon upon a preceding festoon.

Abstract: An extraction apparatus for extracting or separating cut or partially cut pieces or parts from a non-continuous, cut sheet, web or blank at an extraction station comprises: a sheet gripping and moving device for gripping and moving a cut or partially cut sheet through an extraction station; and an extraction bar or roller at the extraction station positioned for movement transversely of a cut sheet and being constructed, arranged and operated to move transversely of the path of movement of the cut sheet when the leading edge scrap web of the cut sheet is adjacent the extraction bar or roller to engage and deflect the scrap web of the cut sheet passing through the gripping and moving device away from the cut pieces or parts.

Abstract: A continuous paper cutting unit including a press mechanism for pressing and holding both sides of the perforations of continuous paper by a press means link mechanism, and a cutting mechanism like a blunt instrument using a cutting means link mechanism. With the appropriate placement of the paper guides, the transport of the continuous paper is smooth and the cutting of the continuous paper along the perforations thereof is preformed reliably using a small drive force.

Abstract: A device for forming two triangular glass knives from a glass square, such as for ultramicrotomy, has a rotary table and a holding device for receiving, aligning, and fixing the glass square to be broken positioned on the rotary table. The holding device has two opposingly arranged clamping jaws of U-shaped profile for holding the glass square therebetween arranged on the rotary table. The rotary table's axis of rotation is aligned with the center of the glass square held between the clamping jaws. A scoring and breaking device is positioned above the table alignable with the glass square.

Abstract: This device comprises a frame carrying means for conveying blanks according to a substantially plane path and two parallel shafts (10, 11), which are mounted so as to be rotatable on both sides of the plane of said path and comprising tool supports (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) for inducing a shearing between the adjacent edges of a cutting line during their displacement, in order to break nicks on the cutting line. Each parallel shaft (10, 11) comprises at least one tool support (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) for connecting the shearing tools to said respective shafts (10, 11) and means for angularly (10a, 11a) and longitudinally positioning these tool supports (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) on said respective shafts (10, 11).

Abstract: A continuous paper cutting unit including a press mechanism for pressing and holding both sides of the perforations of continuous paper by a press means link mechanism, and a cutting mechanism like a blunt instrument using a cutting means link mechanism. With the appropriate placement of the paper guides, the transport of the continuous paper is smooth and the cutting of the continuous paper along the perforations thereof is preformed reliably using a small drive force.

Abstract: A continuous paper cutting unit including a press mechanism for pressing and holding both sides of the perforations of continuous paper by a press means link mechanism, and a cutting mechanism like a blunt instrument using a cutting means link mechanism. With the appropriate placement of the paper guides, the transport of the continuous paper is smooth and the cutting of the continuous paper along the perforations thereof is preformed reliably using a small drive force.

Abstract: An improved anvil tool for use in laser bar or wafer cleaving comprises a relatively small cross section such that the anvil does not overhang the device edges in any direction. In one embodiment, the surface of the tool contacting the laser wafer or bar is compliant and contains a laterally disposed slit that aligns with the scribe mark on the top surface of the material to be cleaved. The anvil may be formed as a columnar tool or as a film deposited on a substrate. The compliant surface may be removable and in a preferred embodiment may comprise a continuous feed membrane tape so that a “clean” surface is used for each subsequent cleave operation.

Abstract: A scribing machine adapter plate is configured to receive and couple a hoop assembly to a chuck on a scribing machine. The adapter plate includes an upper surface and an inner annular vacuum groove and an outer annular vacuum groove formed in the upper surface. A third vacuum groove extends radially between, and communicates with, the inner and outer grooves. The outer vacuum groove includes a vacuum inlet hole that extends from the groove through the adapter plate to provide communication between a vacuum channel in the chuck and the vacuum grooves in the plate. The polymer film of the hoop assembly is disposed on the upper surface to seal the vacuum grooves to hold the film in place during scribing of materials placed on the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for breaking a wafer (24) into die (26) having a high aspect ratio. In one embodiment, a multi-radii dome (12) is utilized to controllably break the wafer in two directions. The two different dome curvatures (R1, R2) provide an even, controlled, force along the kerfs in both the X-direction and the Y-direction. In another embodiment, a cylindrical dome (80) being curved (R3) in the Y-direction and flat in the X-direction is used to break a wafer into die having exceptionally high aspect ratios. The present invention reduces the likelihood of die fracture in the long dimension during the wafer break process. The wafer (24) is mounted on stretchable wafer tape (18) during the break process to prevent the die edges from contacting and rubbing with one another after the break process. The present invention allows separation of die of exceptionally large aspect ratios such as those having a 1:25 aspect ratio.

Abstract: A continuous paper cutting unit including a press mechanism for pressing and holding both sides of the perforations of continuous paper by a press means link mechanism, and a cutting mechanism like a blunt instrument using a cutting means link mechanism. With the appropriate placement of the paper guides, the transport of the continuous paper is smooth and the cutting of the continuous paper along the perforations thereof is preformed reliably using a small drive force.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning a resin-sealed lead frame that includes semiconductor devices and resin for sealing the semiconductor devices on the lead frame. A break unit is provided for moving the resin-sealed lead frame to a break table. The break unit includes a vacuum suction portion to hold the resin-sealed lead frame during movement and to release it when the resin-sealed lead frame is brought into a receiving opening associated with the break table. The receiving opening is defined by a plurality of guides with the outer tip portions of the guides providing the receiving opening as a space larger than that occupied by the outer configuration of the resin-sealed lead frame. The guides have a slope to position the resin-sealed lead frame onto the break table after it is released in the receiving opening. The break unit further includes push down pins for pushing down and breaking off unwanted extra portions of resin from beneath the resin-sealed lead frame.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for breaking a web along spaced lines of weakness. The invention includes a compact breaker bar assembly comprising at least one breaker bar in a gap. The apparatus also includes driving apparatus to power the breaker bar assembly in breaking the web. In some embodiments, one or more breaker bars engage and stress the web along a single transverse line across the web, breaking the web. In other embodiments, at least first and second breaker bars engage and stress the web along spaced first and second transverse lines across the web. The breaker bars can be mounted on one or more rotary elements, or can be mounted on one or more belts or other breaker bar carriers, traversing closed-loop paths.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for breaking a web along spaced lines of weakness. The invention includes a compact breaker bar assembly comprising at least one breaker bar in a gap. The apparatus also includes driving apparatus to power the breaker bar assembly in breaking the web. In some embodiments, one or more breaker bars engage and stress the web along a single transverse line across the web, breaking the web. In other embodiments, at least first and second breaker bars engage and stress the web along spaced first and second transverse lines across the web. The breaker bars can be mounted on one or more rotary elements, or can be mounted on one or more belts or other breaker bar carriers, traversing closed-loop paths.

Abstract: An ink cartridge opener for use in connection with a flat support surface is provided. The opener includes a cartridge holder adapted to hold a first portion of an ink cartridge. Opening means with the cartridge holder is provided for applying force to a second portion of the ink cartridge. The cartridge holder is formed of separable first and second cartridge holder components. The opening means is a handle arm captured at a pivot point by the first and second cartridge holder components.

Abstract: A stripping apparatus includes a pair of first and second base plates which are disposed in facing relationship to each other in a vertical direction and movable toward and away from each other. The first and second base plates include first support holes and second support holes, respectively, disposed in alignment with each other in the vertical direction. A plurality of pressing pins are insertable into the first and second support holes. A fixing device is provided on each of the first and second base plates for releasably fixing the pressing pins inserted into the first and second support holes.

Abstract: A device for removal of knockouts from a material sheet has a support plate for the material sheet having openings with continuous vertical walls. Each knockout overlaps the pertaining opening resting with its marginal bearing surfaces on the support plate. Knockout tools with vertical and horizontal narrow sides on a tool holder plate movable toward and away from the support plate are so arranged that their disposition is essentially vertical to the coordinated knockout and symmetric as regards the bearing surfaces. Each knockout tool on its support plate side features at least one point as an end of the one vertical narrow side. The angle between the point and the face extending from the point to the adjacent horizontal narrow side ranges from 20.degree. to 50.degree. projected in the side center plane.

Abstract: A glass plate breaking machine 1 comprises a flexible endless belt 3 on which a glass plate 2 is placed; a glass plate receiver 4 disposed inside the endless belt 3; a moving unit 5 for moving the glass plate receiver 4 in an X direction and in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction; a breaking unit 6 disposed above the endless belt 3; a moving unit 7 for moving the breaking unit 6 in the X direction and the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction; and a controller for controlling the operation of the moving unit 5 such that the position of the glass plate receiver 4 moved by the moving unit 5 corresponds to the position of the breaking unit 6, in the breakage of the glass plate 2 by the braking unit 6; a travel unit 8 for travelling the belt 3; and a lifter 9 for lifting the glass plate 2.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a plurality of printed labels configured as paper sheet portions from a plurality of stacked pressing sheets, the labels being partially precut and arranged in a predetermined pattern in the pressing sheets, including a die plate having a plurality of openings formed therein in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the pattern of the labels in the pressing sheets. The labels are pressed from the pressing sheets through the openings by a plurality of press members which are arranged in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the patterns of both the labels and the die openings, and project from a vertically movable press plate. As the labels are pressed from the master sheets, the die plate openings help to maintain the labels in aligned stacks.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cracking a connecting rod comprises long and short semi circular dies. The dies include self-contained means for biasing their flat surfaces together to enable them to be inserted through the connecting rod bore. The long die is supported on both sides of the connecting rod. The connecting rod bore initially contacts only the long die. A force generating tool passes through the long die and contacts the flat surface of the second die. The tool operates to separate the two dies against the self-contained biasing means such that both dies contact the connecting rod bore. The tool applies a force to the second die along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod bore. The force is sufficient to crack the connecting rod. The force may be either an impulsive force or a relatively slowly applied force.

Abstract: A glass plate breaking machine 1 comprises a flexible endless belt 3 on which a glass plate 2 is placed; a glass plate receiver 4 disposed inside the endless belt 3; a moving unit 5 for moving the glass plate receiver 4 in an X direction and in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction; a breaking unit 6 disposed above the endless belt 3; a moving unit 7 for moving the breaking unit 6 in the X direction and the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction; and a controller for controlling the operation of the moving unit 5 such that the position of the glass plate receiver 4 moved by the moving unit 5 corresponds to the position of the breaking unit 6, in the breakage of the glass plate 2 by the braking unit 6; a travel unit 8 for travelling the belt 3; and a lifter 9 for lifting the glass plate 2.

Abstract: A smooth, oblique-angled endface fracture of an optical fiber 20 useful in low reflectance, low insertion loss mechanical splices is achieved by tensioning the fiber while it is in contact with the abrupt edge 23 of an anvil 22 and applying a shearing force to the fiber at a point closely offset from the anvil edge and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber.

Abstract: Successive panels of a running web with panels in zig-zag formation are deflected into a duct wherein the panels gather into a growing pile on a vertically movable bottom wall. A severing tool is moved across the pile at a selected level above the bottom wall to sever the web along the fold line between two neighboring panels when the pile beneath the level of the severing tool reaches a preselected height. A spreading device is used to spread apart the panels immediately above and below the level of the severing tool to establish a clearance for entry of the tool. The panels above and below the clearance are clamped to prevent the tool from displacing and/or otherwise affecting such panels during penetration into the clearance and during severing of the web along the fold line between the panels immediately adjacent the clearance.

Abstract: A pipe severing device (1) and method utilizing a chain (13) having stress inducing wheels (19) efficiently and safely severs brittle materials including cast iron, vitreous clay, cement and asbestos pipe. The device includes an actuating handle (6) which pivots over a pipe support surface (3). Upon pivoting over the surface, holddown arms (7) attached to the actuating handle frictionally grasp a pipe. The handle may then pivot about a second point or remain rigid, in either case engaging a first limit switch (25) which actuates a hydraulic cylinder (35). The hydraulic cylinder tightens the chain causing the stress inducing wheels to create stress concentration points around the circumference of the pipe. Cracks propagate between stress concentration points, quickly severing the pipe. The pipe support surface includes resilient pads (5a,b) which further frictionally grasp the pipe.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the breaking of glass sheets (2) scored on one side, especially provided with a metallic coating on one side, a breaking bar (7) or a rotationally driven breaking roller (28) that can be lifted from below against the glass sheet (2) are provided, and two abutments (9 and 10) acting from above against the glass sheet (2) are likewise included. The abutments (9 and 10) are not in physical contact with the topside of the glass sheet (2) but rather hold down the latter by an air cushion produced between these abutments and the topside of the glass sheet (2), this air cushion being formed by compressed air exiting from nozzles (14). In this way, friction movements that could damage the coating (3) of the glass sheet (2) during the breaking step are precluded.

Abstract: A continuous running web with panels in zig-zag formation is delivered by a conveyor in the form of a scalloped stream and successive panels are deflected into a duct wherein the panels descend and gather on a bottom wall between two upright sidewalls which contact alternate fold lines between the panels of the growing stack. When the stack on the bottom wall, which descends at the rate at which the stack thereon grows, contains a predetermined number of panels, a spreading device is caused to enter between the topmost panel of the fully grown stack on the bottom wall and the panel above such stack to establish a gap for entry of the dull leading edge of a reciprocable flat tool which moves across the duct in a horizontal plane and breaks the fold line which is then located in the path of movement of the leading edge. The sidewalls have confronting vertical surfaces which are inclined relative to the leading edge of the tool.

Abstract: A framer's tool consists of a handle member on which is provided an anvil portion for abutment with the outside surface of a picture frame. An actuating rod extends forwardly from the handle member, and is attached to an operating trigger pivotably mounted therewithin. A driving jaw adjustably mounted on the forward portion of the actuating rod, and has a magnetic component on its lower end for setting framer's points, brads and the like, positioning them with a rearward orientation to be squeezed by the tool into the inner surface of the frame component. The anvil portion on the handle member may have a pair of spaced resilient pads mounted upon it, which cooperate with a rib on the confronting surface of the jaw to bend, and thereby fracture, a prescored piece of glass squeezed therebetween.

Abstract: A method of breaking an optical fiber comprises the steps of surrounding the fiber with elastomeric material in the region of the desired break location and then compressing the elastomeric material towards the axis of the fiber. When the material is compressed, it grips the fiber so that the fiber and the material cannot move relative to each other. Compression of the material also results in elongation of the material so that the fiber is placed in tension and fractures at the desired break point. An apparatus for carrying out the processes is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for breaking a scribed semiconductor wafer and the like. The apparatus includes a wafer support which is movable with respect to a breaker arm having a knife-edge. The breaker arm is actuated pneumatically or by other similar means to impart a shock or impulse to the wafer along each of the wafer scribe lines so as to fracture the wafer. A control mechanism is provided for automatically alternately stepping the wafer position with respect to the breaker arm and actuating the breaker arm. Once the entire wafer has been broken along one axis, the wafer is rotated ninety degrees and the sequence is repeated along the other axis.

Abstract: A breaker apparatus having a base including spaced parallel side members and a bottom plate connected to the lower edge of each side member. A fixed king pin extends between the side members and a breaker arm is rotatably mounted on the king pin. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted on the base, and the rod extending from the cylinder is pivotally connected to the rear end of the breaker arm so that extension of the rod from the cylinder pivots the breaker arm about the king pin to rotate the forward end of the breaker arm downwardly to contact a metal piece lying on the upper forward corners of the side members.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a pipe and pipe snapping tool having the advantages of ease of assembly and disassembly and portability. The apparatus includes a main support and pair of upwardly opening pipe trays fixedly attached to the main support and aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis of the main support. The pipe trays are separated from each other by a predetermined space adjacent the center of the main support to create a support gap over which the pipe to be cut lies when supported on the pipe trays. Wall supports, attached to each of the pipe trays at the inner and outer ends thereof, extend to the main support to raise the pipe trays above the main support such that the lower jaw of a pipe snapping tool positioned between the wall supports will lie beneath a pipe spanning the support gap when supported by the pipe trays.

Abstract: A stacking machine and method for pairing and stacking metal plates having teeth struck out and protruding therefrom, which plates are commonly referred to as nail plates. The nail plates that are to be stacked are supplied to a supply section of the machine in streams of longitudinally extending metal plates as the plates exit from a stamping machine. It is in the stamping machine that the teeth forming the nails of the plates are struck out from the plates. These nail plates are supplied to a stacking section of the stacking machine two plate lengths at a time. The stacking section receives the pair of metal plates, which also can be two plate sections with each section being formed of several plates, in a longitudinally extending relationship from the supply section and then reorientates the two metal plates so that the two plates are in a face-to-face orientation. The pairs of plates are then transferred to a stack receiving section.

Abstract: A device for the destruction of an injection needle has a sleeve (6; 14) in which the needle (3) mounted on a syringe may be inserted. The sleeve includes projections (9; 16) located beneath one another and projecting from opposite sides towards the path of movement of the needle within the sleeve. The projections are forced, by means of an actuator (5; 16) which is movably disposed in the sleeve and, as a result of engagement with the needle holder (4) is entrained in the movement of the needle, to move towards and into the path of movement of the needle so that the needle is bent or broken between these projections and is, in such a manner, rendered unusable.

Abstract: A glass cutter for fracturing prescored sheet glass includes a C-shaped frame having in one end a glass supporting anvil and at its opposite end a screw operated breaker point. The glass sheet is positioned on the anvil with its scored line centered over a V-grooved channel in the anvil surface. A breaker screw is rotatably threaded in the opposite end of the frame and the screw which is perpendicular to the glass surface is provided with a breaker point that is brought into contact with the glass surface and then very slightly rotated to fracture the prescored glass along a very short length of the score line. By repeating these short fracturing steps, very intricate shapes may be cut in the glass without accidental breakage thereof.

Abstract: A ticket dispenser automatically advances a continuous web of lottery tickets, one ticket length, halts the advance, and severs the end most ticket to drop into a delivery chute upon actuation. The dispenser is capable of handling ticket webs which are difficult to tear or have poor perforations, by pre-breaking the web along its transverse lines of perforation, in opposite angular directions by means of a set of three cylindrical rolls, and by moving a breaker bar upwardly into a slot between an inclined bed plate and a horizontal bed plate to slice each successive, prebroken perforated line. The printed indicia can thus be on the upper surface of the web and the tickets delivered face-up.

Abstract: A single gum stick wrapping machine includes a gum breaking mechanism for separating prescored slabs of gum into individual sticks. A transport mechanism, which receives the gum from the breaking mechanism and intermittently advances it along a horizontal path through a plurality of folding stations, includes a walking beam transport, which reaches into the breaking mechanism and extracts each successive stick as it is separated from a slab. Long seam folding operations are completed by a pocket wheel and an associated transport which delivers the sticks in stacked relation at a collection point at the discharge end of the machine.

Abstract: Particular apparatuses implement a method of breaking a rod of brittle material, such as a glass optical fiber, so as to yield a mirrorlike surface across the entire rod end. A decreasing tensile stress is achieved across the cross section of the rod, which at all points is greater than zero but less than the threshold stress at which a mist zone forms, by simultaneously applying longitudinal tension to the rod and bending it in a tool that laterally moves a section of the fiber while holding sections to either side in friction-type clamps. A convenient hand tool for breaking optical fibers uses pivoting clamps which serve to increase tensile stress as bending is increased. Scoring is done before or after the above-mentioned tool operations.

Abstract: A single gum stick wrapping machine has a rotary transfer mechanism for successively conveying single sticks of gum from breaker wheels to a folding wheel where each stick picks up a wrapper and is conveyed through folding and creasing sections where the wrapper is partially folded around the stick and the ends of the wrapper are folded, creased and tucked. The wrapping operation is completed while the partially wrapped stick is conveyed from the folding wheel to a stacker at the discharge end of the machine by another rotary transfer mechanism. Rotary label wrapping mechanism may be provided for applying a label or outer wrapper to each stick.