Abstract: An ampoule opener (1) has a cylindrical body portion (10) with a cavity (11) at an end thereof adapted to receive at least part of the head portion (53) of an ampoule (50). A retaining mechanism, such as an resiliently expandable O-ring (30), is provided at the entrance to the cavity (11) for retaining the head portion (53) at least partially within the cavity (11) after it has been inserted therein. The head portion (53) may be detached from the remainder of the ampoule (50) by holding the ampoule (50) in a first hand with the head portion uppermost, holding the cylindrical body portion (10) having the head portion (53) retained therein in the other hand with the thumb uppermost, and causing relative movement between the body portion (10) and the ampoule (50). The ampoule opener (1) includes a plunger (20) for ejecting the head portion (53) from the cavity after it has been detached.

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 method for cleaving thin rods of glass or quartz with a rod cleaving blade (27) and body (28) carrying the blade, is provided. The body (28) is of material varying in length through application of electric and/or magnetic fields. Driving force (31, 33) achieves relatively steady movement of the blade (27) towards a desired cleaving point and relatively steady small-amplitude vibratory component of movement towards and away from the cleaving point superimposed to the relatively steady movement, by influencing the body (28) electrically and/or magnetically. The blade is driven to vibrate with a frequency below 1 kHz during cleaving operation.

Abstract: In a glass cutter wheel where a blade edge is formed on a disk-shaped wheel, grooves having a predetermined shape are formed at a predetermined pitch in a ¼ or smaller or ¾ or smaller blade edge line portion of the entire perimeter of the blade edge. The ratio of the groove portion to the entire perimeter, which largely contributes to a scribing characteristic, is changed such that a desired scribing characteristic can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sectioning module positioned within an automated solar cell device fabrication system. The solar cell device fabrication system is adapted to receive a single large substrate and form multiple silicon thin film solar cell devices from the single large substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a stack of sheets from a pile of sheet material that is arranged so that tear paths of a plurality of sheets form a tear surface includes a first clamp for clamping the pile at a first side of the tear surface and a second clamp for clamping the pile at a second side of the tear surface. At least the first clamp includes a sustaining member having at least one sustaining point for supporting the pile, and an upper member having at least one contact point for contacting the pile. Rotation of the first clamp relative to the second clamp brings about the separation of a stack of sheets from the pile of sheet material by breaking the tear paths present in the tear surface.

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 foil or film dispensing system and method includes two brackets. The first bracket supports a roll of foil or film and is positionable in the unused space behind a door panel in a fixed cabinet. The second bracket is hingedly mounted to the first bracket and includes a cutting edge for making a sheet of foil or film. When not in use the foil or film dispensing system is hidden in the unused space behind the door panel in a cabinet.

Abstract: The packet structure includes an envelope structure and a tear structure therein. The tear structure provides for tearing of a specific section of the envelope structure to gain access to a film strip which is stored within an internal cavity in the envelope structure. The tear structure has a reduced resistance to tearing relative to an adjoining portion of the envelope structure. The reduced resistance to tearing directs the tearing of the envelope structure to a specific section thereof. The tear structure may alternatively have a pull-string attached within the envelope structure and extending through an aperture therein to a location outside of the envelope structure. The location of the aperture and attachment of the pull-string within the envelope structure directs the tearing of the envelope structure to a specific section thereof.

Abstract: A tablet splitter includes a tablet bed having a bed body with a tablet holding structure for holding a tablet. A base is included having a base side wall with an outer perimeter. The side wall surrounds a recess extending along a longitudinal axis. The recess is shaped for receiving and retaining the bed body of the tablet bed. A cap having a cap side wall engages and slides over the outer perimeter of the base side wall along the longitudinal axis. The cap has an interior with a first splitting member positioned therein for engaging and splitting tablets held by the tablet bed.

Abstract: A method for splitting tablets includes positioning a plurality of tablets onto a supporting structure. Each of the plurality of tablets are then substantially simultaneously split into at least two parts. Finally, if desired, the at least two parts of each tablet are dispensed into a compartment of a corresponding one of a plurality of first capsule portions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for separating a pane (11) of a brittle material from a moving ribbon (13) of the material without contact between the newly-formed leading edge of the ribbon and the newly-formed trailing edge of the pane. The apparatus includes a pane engaging assembly (15), a transporter (29), and a connector assembly (31) which together ensure that the pane (11) and the sheet (13) do not contact each other once separation occurs. In this way, edge chipping and the resulting occurrence of surface defects on the separated pane are decreased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating glass panels that minimizes process failures and improves separation process consistency by utilizing a separation handle which applies the minimal pressure necessary to remove the edge portion from the glass panel. The glass panel is cut along the score line, which outlines the edge portions of the glass panel to be removed. The panel is placed upon the separating apparatus, which pumps nitrogen along the underside of the glass panel, causing the glass panel to float above the apparatus. Locating pins are inserted to position the panel on the stage. Once the glass panel is in place, a vacuum sucks the panel against the stage, holding the panel tightly against the stage. The separation handle is then inserted over the edge portion to be removed. A measured force is applied to the handle, with the force incrementally increased until the slow, controllable separation of the edge is achieved. This level of force is maintained until separation is complete.

Abstract: An ink container opener has a first portion and a second portion which are approximately perpendicular to each other. Each portion has an opening for receiving an ink container cap. The opening of the first portion comprises a plurality of ridges extending along at least one side of the opening. The first and second portions are formed of a unitary construction and form an L-shaped configuration. Force is applied to the container body to separate the cap from the body as the cap is supported by the opener.

Abstract: A method for recycling rail is provided wherein the rail is heated, and then slit into two pieces. The two pieces are passed through a single mill pass line such that each piece of the rail is deformed to have a generally uniform shape.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bursting perforated paper stock are provided. A feed mechanism is provided for feeding perforated paper stock in a feed direction along a paper path in a printer. The perforated paper stock has sections separated by perforations. A loop area is provided in the printer for accumulating one of the sections of the perforated paper stock. A burst element is provided for bursting a perforation of the accumulated section. In order to burst the perforation of the accumulated section, the feed direction is reversed to draw the perforation of the accumulated section against the burst element, thereby separating the section from the perforated paper stock. A paper dispensing mechanism is provided for advancing the separated section out of the loop area and dispensing the section from the printer.

Abstract: A trash disposal device and method is provided that can be used to dispose litter and cigarette litter in particular. The device includes sheets of material forming a rectangular box casing that has a slot. Heat resistant material sheets are positioned within the casing such that the sheets may be pulled out of the casing through the slot. A sheet can be pulled out from the device and shaped into an ashtray-like shape that can be used to collect for instance cigarette litter. The ashtray-like shape with the litter can be folded up into a small package and then be placed in a storage area that could be part of the device. The trash disposal device could be assembled with foldable material to form the casing with a slot.

Abstract: A held method of cutting a fiber optic cable having an optical fiber surrounded by at least one protective layer comprises providing a cutting tool having opposingly directed blunt surfaces and opposingly directed sharp surfaces. The cutting tool is movable between an opened position and a closed position. This method also comprises the steps of positioning the fiber optic cable between the opposingly directed blunt surfaces and moving the cutting tool toward the closed position sufficiently to crush the optical fiber without cutting through the protective layer. The method further comprises the steps of moving the cutting tool toward the opened position sufficiently to release the fiber optic cable from between the blunt surfaces, positioning the fiber optic cable between the opposingly directed sharp surfaces and moving the cutting tool toward the closed position sufficiently to cut through the protective layer.

Abstract: A quartering pill splitter includes a bed having a recess formed within, the recess having a cross section which substantially conforms to the pill shape. A thin, cruciate cutting blade assembly is disposed below the pill bed, so that the pill, when inserted into the recess, rests on the cutting edges of the cruciate cutting blade assembly. A plunger, containing an upper compression member is moveable with respect to the cutting blade assembly and is forceably engaged against the pill disposed in the bed recess when the user strikes the cap of the plunger, thus cutting the pill into quarters in a single stroke. The cruciate cutting blade assembly contains a first blade and a second blade at a right angle relative to the first blade, and which is offset from the first blade a distance equal to the thickness of the first blade.

Abstract: A box opener that includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal dimension. The shaft supports a box broaching wedge, operatively supported by the end of the shaft. The wedge narrowing from a base that is at least 2 cm (0.79 in) in dimension transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the shaft to a blunt edge spaced from the base by at least 2 cm (0.79 in).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cutting strip (102) which includes a flat, strip member (201) adapted to be attached to the edge of a carton. The member (201) having a first edge (202) having a plurality of teeth (204). The plurality of teeth (204) having a non-uniform tooth pattern (205) which comprises a first tooth pattern along a first section (209) of the edge and a second tooth pattern (207) along a second section (210) of the edge so that a sheet-tearing force can be applied to a sheet on either the first end or the second end of the member (201).

Abstract: A dispenser having a transfer mechanism for transferring between a first source and a second source of sheet material, and a method for transferring between the first source and the second source. Dispensing is transferred from a first source to a second source upon an absence of sheet material from the first source. The transfer mechanism includes a transfer roller with a slot to receive a free end of sheet material from the second source. The transfer roller also includes a plurality of raised portions, the raised portions are free to rotate through a dispensing roller when there is an absence of sheet material from the first source. This rotation introduces the free end of sheet material from the second source to the dispensing roller, and allows dispensing from the second source. Afterwards, the transfer roller is set to receive sheet material from a new source of sheet material.

Abstract: A unit for dividing glass sheets has two tables (I) and (II) and two separation sites (A) and (B). The table (I) which is located in front of the first separation site can be aligned to slope obliquely down toward the contact edge for moving the glass sheets located on it in the direction to this contact edge. The glass sheets adjoining the contact edge are moved gradually to the separation site and are divided there in the X direction. On table (II) there are two conveyor devices which can be independently actuated. Using these two conveyor devices, glass sheet shapes which travel onto the table (II) can be independently but simultaneously supplied to the separation site (B) so that it is possible to further divide these glass shapes on the given dividing lines in the separation site (B) at the same time or overlapping in time into glass shapes.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for transport and cutting of a quantity of Duct Tape in which the tape is mounted upon a polyhedron mandrel containing a cutting blade so configured as to be cooperative with, and useful in, cutting of segments of the tape directly from the mandrel.

Abstract: A tape formed of a polymeric material and having a thickness and stiffness suitable as a cutting edge on a dispensing carton for convolutely wound foil, film or paper, the tape includes a coating of adhesive and is applied at a laminating station in the carton manufacturing process and is generally cut with the forming of the carton blanks, and the cut in the tape may be formed with a serrated edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a stock of semi-compliant material into discrete portions or tags includes a housing having a drive mechanism disposed therein for bending a portion of the semi-compliant material in a first direction thus forming a line of weakening along the material. The drive mechanism subsequently bends the portion of the material in a second direction, which causes the tag to separate from the remaining material along the line of weakening.

Abstract: A process to fracture connecting rods and the like, that are made of high strength materials, comprises of the following mechanisms:

Abstract: A process to fracture connecting rods and the like, that are made of high strength materials, comprises of the following mechanisms:

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual paper towel segments from a continuous roll of paper provided with spaced lines of tearing comprises a housing, a support for the roll of paper, a feed mechanism, and a control device. The control device senses the presence of a user to activate the feed mechanism, controls the amount of material which is dispensed from the housing for any one cycle, and prevents further dispensing of the paper until the previous segment is separated from the roll. The control device detects the leading edge of the paper to initiate monitoring of the length of paper to be dispensed to prevent any cumulative error in dispensing the segments.

Abstract: A method for cutting the edges of a continuous glass ribbon (10), moving at a speed VR, comprising a longitudinal marking stage which generates a marking line, in particular using a cutting wheel (11), a transverse marking stage, and a subsequent transverse breaking stage. The inventive method also comprises an intermediary stage between the longitudinal marking stage and the transverse marking stage consisting in generating at least one longitudinal fissure (32) through at least a substantial part of the thickness of the continuous glass ribbon, or through the entire thickness of the continuous glass ribbon, on the basis of the marking line (30), and in spreading said longitudinal fissure at a speed VF, which is more or less equal to but in the opposite direction to the speed VR of the moving continuous glass ribbon. The invention also relates to a device designed to carry out said method. The glass plates cut using the inventive method have edges, advantageously, without any major defects.

Abstract: A method of opening an ampoule and an ampoule opening device are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, product cracker, and nest are used with a derelict product having a shell covering a core. The shell has opposed front and rear faces and a sidewall having at least one pair of diagonally opposed corner-edges extending transversely between the faces, and is separable along the sidewall into a pair of covers. In the method, the front and rear faces of the product are placed in alignment with a first axis and the pair of diagonally opposed corner-edges are placed in alignment with a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The shell is directly supported near one corner-edge of the pair of diagonally opposed corner-edges and is impacted at the other corner-edge with sufficient force to separate the covers. The alignments are maintained during the impacting. The covers and core are collected and the core is sorted out.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for separating a pane (11) of a brittle material from a moving ribbon (13) of the material without contact between the newly-formed leading edge of the ribbon and the newly-formed trailing edge of the pane. The apparatus includes a pane engaging assembly (15), a transporter (29), and a connector assembly (31) which together ensure that the pane (11) and the sheet (13) do not contact each other once separation occurs. In this way, edge chipping and the resulting occurrence of surface defects on the separated pane are decreased.

Abstract: A cutter for cutting sheet materials such as plastic film or metal foil is provided. The cutter incorporates a handle, a cutting blade and a hook for attaching the cutter to a dispenser of the sheet material. The cutter rides along the top of the box to cut the sheet material.

Abstract: A method, product cracker, and nest are used with a derelict product having a shell covering a core. The shell has opposed front and rear faces and a sidewall having at least one pair of diagonally opposed corner-edges extending transversely between the faces, and is separable along the sidewall into a pair of covers. In the method, the front and rear faces of the product are placed in alignment with a first axis and the pair of diagonally opposed corner-edges are placed in alignment with a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The shell is directly supported near one corner-edge of the pair of diagonally opposed corner-edges and is impacted at the other corner-edge with sufficient force to separate the covers. The alignments are maintained during the impacting. The covers and core are collected and the core is sorted out.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable lid for use in dispensing sheets such as wet wipes from a container, a dispenser incorporating the lid, and methods of using the lid and dispenser are provided. An intermediate member is hingedly connected to a base member and a top cover member to form a three-part lid. The base member includes an opening and is removably mountable on a container. The intermediate member includes a recessed portion with a slit or webbing, and is engaged with the base member to cover the opening. The top cover member is engaged with the intermediate member to cover the slit. The opening in the base member is sized to permit access to manually withdraw an initial or starter sheet from the roll of sheets disposed within the container so that the sheet can be pushed through the slit in the intermediate member without having to remove the lid from the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing tickets from strips of tickets, wherein each ticket is separable from a respective strip of tickets along a separation line. The apparatus has infeed drive rollers rotatably mounted adjacent respective infeed idler rollers, and infeed drive motors are connected to respective infeed drive rollers. A separator shaft having helical blades mounted thereon is rotatably supported adjacent the infeed drive rollers, and a separator motor is connected to the separator shaft for rotating the helical blades. Exit drive rollers are rotatably mounted adjacent respective exit idler rollers; and an exit drive motor connected to the exit drive rollers and operable to rotate the exit drive rollers.

Abstract: There is provided a method for storing and dispensing wet wipes, comprising: providing a dispenser and a plurality of releasably connected wet wipes; positioning a leading wet wipe of the plurality of releasably connected wet wipes in a dispensing opening in communication with the chamber, dispensing the plurality of releasably connected wet wipes in a direction away from the dispensing opening; and manually separating the leading wet wipe from an immediately trailing wet wipe, by various ways, while also maintaining a portion of each of the leading wet wipe and the trailing wet wipe in the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A family of pill splitters is formed from a standard, substantially cylindrical lower body which contains a distinct bed for each one of a number of different complex pill shapes, and an upper body, integrally affixed to the lower body, which contains a pair of linear plunger guides slots. Each bed contains a recess having a cross section which substantially conforms to the pill shape, and the bed thickness is proportional to the thickness of the pill to be split. A long, thin cutting blade is affixed in proximity to the bed, and a bed support is formed in the lower body. A plunger with plunger guides slidingly engages the plunger guide slots. Each bed contains alignment tabs which engage the plunger guide slots to align the bed relative to the cutting blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of a pre-form into a bearing cap and a connecting rod by fracturing the pre-form along a predetermined fracture line. The apparatus includes a split mandrel defining upper and lower parts sitting within a cylindrical aperture of the pre-form and defining an internal passageway within which a wedge moves to separate the mandrel halves. Separation of the mandrel halves by the wedge member causes fracture separation of the pre-form into a bearing cap and connecting rod. A bottom portion of the mandrel is adjustable in relation to the wedge member to provide for proper alignment of the wedge and mandrel during fracture separation of the connecting rod.

Abstract: A dispenser for rolls of wrap material is disclosed. The wrap dispenser may include a trunk to which a lid is integrally hinged. The trunk is adapted to receive a roll of wrap therein, while the lid is adapted to move relative to the trunk to allow access to the rolled film. A portion of the dispenser is provided with a reinforced section to which a cutter bar is adhered. The cutter bar may be manufactured from plastic and be attached to the dispenser such that teeth of the cutter bar are all exposed upon opening the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a material from a cored roll comprises a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior volume and an opening, at least one pair of coaxially aligned, opposed plungers mounted on opposite walls within the dispenser, and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a blade, a cover for alternately exposing and concealing the blade, and a slidable panel for actuating the cover.

Abstract: A method of forming an aperture in an optical fiber probe comprising the steps of sharpening the tip and bending the tip section of the optical fiber probe relative to a longitudinal axis, covering a portion of the probe with a metallic film, positioning the probe relative to a surface of a sample, effecting relative movement between the probe and the surface of the sample so that the probe is disposed in a region where an atomic force acts between the probe and the surface of the sample, measuring and monitoring a displacement of the probe resulting from the atomic force acting between the tip of the probe and the surface of the sample, using a pressing force from the atomic force to plastically deform or break the tip section of the probe to form an aperture in the tip section having a diameter obtained in accordance with a measured value of the displacement of the probe.

Abstract: A connecting rod fracture machine is disclosed which mateably inserts a half-split type mandrel into an opening of a large end portion of a connecting rod to expand the opening. The machine comprises first and second support members (31), (32) for supporting the connecting rod horizontally, the support members being arranged movably apart from each other on the base of a pallet (24) for placing the connecting rod (1) thereon. Moreover, the machine includes a half-split type mandrel (36), vertically provided on these support members, comprising mandrel half portions (37), (38) with each outer peripheral surface thereof being in contact with the inner surface of the opening. The machine also comprises a wedge (53) for separating the mandrel half portions uniformly apart from each other, the wedge having tapered surfaces in contact with opposite edge surfaces of the mandrel half portions.

Abstract: An edging method using a special tool for providing a visually attractive glass design. The tool chips the flat surface around the glass perimeter edge to create arc shaped concave gaps. In addition, fine torn lines at the rim of each concaved gap are created that provide the visual effect of luminous diamonds when viewed from the opposite side of the glass. The tool is designed so that each of its critical points are accurately positioned to provide a quick and tearing effect to the desired edge location. The design enhances the aesthetic appearance of the glass and provides a unique visual appearance when the glass is viewed at different angles.

Abstract: A manually operable tablet splitting apparatus, including a base having a frame mounted on an upper surface thereof and a disposable tablet-receiving tray, including a plurality of tablet shaped cavities for receiving and holding the tablets in position to be split. A handle is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a tablet loading position and a tablet splitting position. The handle includes a blade for splitting the tablets into two substantially equal parts. A retractable shield is provided for covering the blade while it is in the tablet loading position, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury to an operator during operation of the apparatus. Each one of the tray cavities is adapted for receiving a tablet and for holding the received tablet in position for splitting.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for packaging, transporting and cutting a quantity of Duct Tape in which the tape is formed into a substantially hexahedron shape mounted upon a polyhedron mandrel containing cutting means so configured as to be cooperative with, and useful in, cutting and trimming segments of the tape, wherein the cutting means has auxiliary uses.

Abstract: A paper cutter includes a blade extending in the width of a rolled paper, the blade having a linear edge and a serrated edge formed at an end of the linear edge. A paper guide for discharging the paper is disposed downstream from the cutter, the paper guide having an upper and a lower member and a discharge port at the downstream end thereof. A cutout section is formed at the upper member of the paper guide, and the position of the cutout section corresponds to the serrated blade edge in the width direction of the paper. The cutout section permits the paper to be grasped with fingers by the operator. When the paper is pulled, a force acts on the paper in a direction to press it against the serrated blade edge, cutting the paper from the edge.

Abstract: A manually operable tablet splitting apparatus, including a base having a frame mounted on an upper surface thereof and a disposable tablet-receiving tray, including a plurality of tablet shaped cavities for receiving and holding the tablets in position to be split. A handle is pivotally attached to the base and is movable between a tablet loading position and a tablet splitting position. The handle includes a blade for splitting the tablets into two substantially equal parts. A retractable shield is provided for covering the blade while it is in the tablet loading position, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury to an operator during operation of the apparatus. Each one of the tray cavities is adapted for receiving a tablet and for holding the received tablet in position for splitting.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for transport and cutting of a quantity of Duct Tape in which the tape is mounted upon a polyhedron mandrel containing a cutting blade so configured as to be cooperative with, and useful in, cutting of segments of the tape directly from the mandrel.