Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaving GaAs laser bars from a cell utilizes a first jaw applied to one end of a laser bar to propagate a cleavage and a second jaw applied to an opposite end which provides a biasing force that assures separation of the bar from the cell along the same crystallographic plane. The apparatus may be used in an ultra-high vacuum environment and allows handling of the bars without contacting the vital areas of the top surfaces or facet faces. The apparatus precisely locates bars after cleavage so that they may be further processed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a web handling apparatus including a printer for printing on longitudinally extending multi-portion webs, with the web including a plurality of longitudinally extending web portions and connected at a longitudinal line of weakening between each adjacent pair of web portions, each web portion including record members, guide structure for causing adjacent web portions to move along different paths or planes to effect tearing and resultant separation of the web portions at each line of weakening, and a rewinder for drawing on the separated web portions and winding them into separate rolls. In the event tearing does not occur readily along the lines of weakening, there are knives to assist in separating the web portions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for severing flat tubing. The method involves the steps of clamping a length of tubing, deeply scoring the tubing on opposite sides and applying a high impact axial force to sever the tube.

Abstract: A method for separating a thin-walled multiport extrusion into a plurality of micro-tubes for use as single pass lengths in a heat exchanger assembly, the method including the steps of threading the micro-extrusion into a clamping device including first and second sets of clamping blocks which hold the micro-extrusion rigidly while the clamping blocks of the clamping device are drawn in opposite directions on opposite sides of a groove cut in the upper and lower walls of the extrusion, tearing the extrusion apart along cutting lines formed in the upper and lower walls of the extrusion during the separation process.

Abstract: A substrate breaker positively feeds substrate plates to a stick breaker where the sticks are broken from the plate. The sticks are fed upwardly to an elevated chip breaker where chips are broken from the sticks.

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: An optical fiber cleaving tool is disclosed having a frame with means for holding a fiber optic connector installed intermediate the length of an optical fiber against lengthwise movement, thereby providing a fixed fiber axis. A pair of selectively operable clamps are supported on the frame for engagement with the fiber at a location spaced from the connector, the clamps are further supported for slideable movement parallel to the fiber axis for placing a tension along the fiber axis to slightly enlongate the fiber. A pair of opposed, selectively operable fiber engaging members are supported on the frame for opposed engagement with the fiber, at least one of the members having a sharpened blade for scribing the fiber, the force placed on the fiber by one member being equal and opposite to the force placed on the fiber by the other member during scribing of the fiber for subjecting the fiber to zero torsion and zero bend stress.

Abstract: The optical fiber cutting apparatus are constituted by a combination of a cutting apparatus body in which two clamps and, a scoring blade and a pushing member are provided on predetermined positions on a base and a set table having a guide groove on its top is provided at the rear of these clamps and, and plural types of adapters, in which first guides and second guides having different sizes and shapes in accordance with the sizes and shapes of single core optical fibers in use are mounted on respective plates that can detachably be fit in the guide groove. With the above design, the desired adapted having the proper guides and can be selected and used in accordance with the size and shape of a single core fiber in use, so that the cutting apparatus can be applied to optical fibers with different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for cutting optical fibers including a pair of slip-grasping clamps arranged to grasp an exposed optical fiber between them such that a slip-grasping force on the optical fiber is maintained constant. An injuring edge is urged against the optical fiber at a point between the two clamps to initially injure the optical fiber. A pressing block is then urged against the optical fiber from a side opposite the initial injury so that tension is exerted on the optical fiber by the slip-grasping force of the clamps, thereby cutting the fiber.

Abstract: A relatively wide scribing channel is provided between the ends of each adjacent pair of diode array areas on a wafer to expose the epitaxial layer of the wafer. A scribing groove is then scribed in the scribing channel to define a cleavage line along which the array areas are separated.

Abstract: A feed mechanism for feeding a web of rolled flexible sheet material, such as soft paper towels, out of a dispenser. The mechanism includes a feed roller within the dispenser and a web cutting blade in the feed roller and projectable and retractable therewith as the feed roller rotates. A contoured cam is attached to an end of the feed roller, and a spring-loaded cam follower presses against the contoured cam. The cam follower, through the cam, controllably assists in the rotation of the feed roller during the feed roller cycle when the blade cuts the web and thereafter to feed a free end of the material to an accessible position outside of the dispenser. The needed maximum pull forces by the user on the material to cut and withdraw the material from the dispenser are thereby significantly minimized, and the likelihood of the soft towel material tearing off in the user's wet hands is accordingly reduced.

Abstract: The optical fiber cutting apparatus are constituted by a combination of a cutting apparatus body in which two clamps and, a scoring blade and a pushing member are provided on predetermined positions on a base and a set table having a guide groove on its top is provided at the rear of these clamps and, and plural types of adapters, in which first guides and second guides having different sizes and shapes in accordance with the sizes and shapes of single core optical fibers in use are mounted on respective plates tht can detachably be fit in the guide groove. With the above design, the desired adapter having the proper guides and can be selected and used in accordance with the size and shape of a single core fiber in use, so that the cutting apparatus can be applied to optical fibers with different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A method for cutting workpiece made of such a glass or ceramic material having relatively large thickness. A workpiece having one surface on which an incision is previously formed is placed on a flat plate which has a Young's modulus smaller than that of the workpiece and which is placed on a surface plate, so that the surface having the incision of the workpiece faces the upper surface of the flat plate. A pressing load is then applied downwardly through a pressing member to the surface opposite to the surface having the incision of the workpiece locally along the incision. The workpiece is thus cut by the bending moment due to the difference of the Young's moduli of the workpiece and the flat plate without generating noises or forming chips.

Abstract: A relatively wide scribing channel is provided between the ends of each adjacent pair of diode array areas on a wafer to expose the epitaxial layer of the wafer. A scribing groove is then scribed in the scribing channel to define a cleavage line along which the array areas are separated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for breaking a scribed workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer is taught. Briefly stated, the semiconductor wafer is disposed between two elastomeric foils, one of which is adhesively attached to the side of the workpiece which is not scribed. The foils are stretched and a force is then applied to the sandwich so that the workpiece breaks along the scribed lines. Due to the elastomeric nature of the foils the broken pieces separate slightly and remain separated after breaking, thereby preventing damage to adjacent surfaces of the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention deals with an apparatus and method for cutting laminated glass. The glass is delivered from a rack to a two-part table on which the glass is to be cut. The glass is partially cut and then flipped over by the movement of part of the table with the aid of means which may be a hydraulically operated ram. The other part of the table is fixed. The glass once flipped can be cut in a similar manner to the original uppermost sheet. The table may also be equipped with air flotation means which aids in the movement of the glass once on the table. The thin plastics layer sandwiched between the two sheets is cut in the usual manner for example, by applying heat thereto.

Abstract: A continuous supply of tubing is fed intermittently into a work station. Partial cuts are made at periodic intervals by a cutoff head that operates in timed relation with tube clamping device. Tube gripping device then pulls on the end portion or segment to position it precisely downstream of and in alignment with the freshly cut tubing end. A double tube end forming device moves in between the downstream end of the tubing and the upstream end of the tube segment. This device has tube end forming heads that include tooling for suitably shaping both these ends simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for separating trimming losses from a sheet having a plurality of products formed thereon with star-shaped scraps between the products. In one embodiment, the sheet is placed on a sheet supporting plate. The sheet is positioned between a blanking plate and a plurality of pushing rods fixed to a mounting plate. Each of the pushing rods has a piercing pin extending from the free end thereof for penetrating into a corresponding star-shaped scrap. The blanking plate has through holes formed therein which correspond to the pushing rods and star-shaped scraps such that the pushing rod passes through a corresponding through hole. The inner diameter of each through hole is smaller than the outer size or greatest dimension of the star-shaped scrap. When the star-shaped scrap is pushed through the through hole by the pushing rod, it deforms and passes through the through hole.

Abstract: A kit for making a decorative item from an aluminum can and the process of using the kit. The kit has a can-holding member which has a pair of arms, at least one of which has a guide bar which abuts the surface of the can. A knife is drawn along the guide bar scribing a groove along the surface of the can. A series of grooves, preferably equally spaced, are formed around the can, and the can is then pressed inwardly to break the grooves and form a series of elongated slats around the can. These are bent outwardly to form a decorative object.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic vertical glass cutting machine, including a cutting-wheel holder carriage which is movable vertically over a predetermined height of a vertical rap under the action of an actuator of the pneumatic kind, the cutting-wheel holder being fixed to the carriage by means of a rocker arm movable with respect to the body of the carriage which has a mechanism for locking said rocker against the carriage controlled by a fixed cam.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for breaking ceramic substrates which are used in the manufacture of hybrid electronic circuits. The substrate to be divided is subjected to a predetermined rigid deformation by means of two rigid dies having a circular cross-section with radii which differ. The centers of curvature of the circular cross-sections coincide when the dies are in their final position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating interconnected stacks in a pack of multiple stacks. The pack is confined and an impact wheel is pivoted into the pack at the juncture of the interconnected stacks. The wheel is frusto-conically shaped and the impact of the wheel first breaks the interconnection and then lifts the edge of one of the stacks while a holding shoe on the other stack holds the mated side edge of that juncture. A pivotal spread bar engages individual stacks with the remainder of the pack being confined to complete separation of the interconnection. Conveyor means conveys the stacks towards a packaging machine.

Abstract: A coin roll opening device receives a wrapped roll of coins therein, and comprises at least one cutter having at least one roll engaging edge which is engageable against the roll of wrapped coins. The roll of wrapped coins and the cutter are moved relative to each other while the at least one cutting edge of the cutter is forced against the wrapper. In this manner, the coin wrapper is either sliced, scored or weakened, to permit easy opening of the roll of coins.

Abstract: An agricultural marking device to disperse elongate strips of rolled paper-web material. A vertically orientated, cylindrical supply hopper has a securable lid. The lower portion of the hopper terminates in a conical transition directing web material in the hopper to an output channel. Drive rollers positioned adjacent to the output channel remove the web material from the supply hopper and deliver it through a downstream opening where a spray head is positioned. The spray head controllably directs a liquid spray onto the web material to separate it in the wetted region or dampen it to weight it. The device is secured to a mounting structure for mounting onto preselected portions of a propelling vehicle or an associated material dispensing device to thereby indicate a boundary of a portion of a traversed field by the web material deposited thereon.

Abstract: A rotary table saw for sectioning dental models having a housing with a base portion and a working table mounted on the base portion. The working table is controllably depressible so as to be moved upward and downward with respect to the base. The motor housed in the base drives a rotary blade oriented in a vertical direction. A slit in the work table permits the blade to emerge therethrough as the work table is depressed. The vacuum outlet is placed in flow communication with the surface of the work table during depression of the work table to remove saw dust from the work table. The dental model is first marked and scored on the occlusal surface and then its base is placed on the work table with the blade hidden beneath the work table. The work table is depressed to permit emerging of the rotary blade cutting from the underside of the dental model.

Abstract: In a connecting rod of reciprocating motion system in which a larger diameter end portion is divided into a body side bearing half and a bearing cap, and in which after a bearing metal is incorporated in a bearing hole defined by the bearing half and the bearing cap, the bearing half and bearing cap are integrally connected together by bolts, chamfers are made in the peripheral portions of the bearing half and the bearing cap facing their broken and divided surfaces. Such chamfers are made before the dividing of the larger diameter end portion and thus cause the breaking and dividing operation to be facilitated.

Abstract: Cleaving of an optical fibre (2) is achieved by bringing a fibre cleaving blade (3) into lateral contact with such a fibre. Undue intrusion of the blade into the fibre during prior art cleaving processes can damage the fibre so as to detract from the quality of the resulting cleaved fibre end surfaces. Improvemets in the quality of the resulting end surfaces can be obtained in relation to prior art techniques by superimposing a relatively small amplitude vibratory component on a relatively steady movement of the blade towards the fibre. This can also enable the conventional use of a backing anvil at the cleaving location to be dispensed with, thereby removing danger of contamination from the anvil.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting optical fibres, whereby said optical fibres provided with at least one protective covering, are caused to be cut by the transveral movement of two blades rigidly connected to one another and forming an angle of less than 45.degree. between them.

Abstract: Optical fiber is scribed to produce a notch by the use of a fiber holder, a circular scribing edge which is spaced from the fiber holder by a first distance, a fiber deflector which is spaced from the fiber holder by a second distance and which is movable laterally to deflect the fiber by a third distance. When the fiber is deflected by the fiber holder, the fiber is brought into contact with the circular scribing edge and is moved along the edge for a short distance. The first, second, and third distances are selected to produce a scribing force which is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for tearing computer printer paper margin pieces from the main part of the paper sheet. The apparatuses include base and operative members having opposing jaws which are controllably movable between open and grasping positions. The jaws are formed with inwardly converging lips which guide the paper stacks into place. A backstop is provided to align the paper with respect to the jaws. An end stop can also be provided. Biasing is provided to open the jaws and a separation limiting structure is used to automatically stop the jaw opening at a predetermined limit. Arched jaw faces are shown for improved gripping of the sheets.

Abstract: A two part tool fits into the crankshaft bore of a partially manufactured connecting rod for an internal combustion engine and expands the bore to break the bore housing into two pieces, one of which comprises a bearing cap to permit installation of the rod onto a crankshaft journal. The tool is retracted to fit within the bore for the bearing and a high pressure acts on a piston to provide a high enough force to move two parts of the tool away from each other in direction perpendicular to a bisecting plane that lies along the central axis of the bore and to split the one piece bearing housing into two parts along a place defined by notches which weaken the bearing housing in selected areas. The piston is centered on the bisecting plane of the connecting rod so that the forces are balanced to ensure uniform, repeatable operation.

Abstract: A method for making a corrugated thin metal strip wherein corrugations are linear and extend obliquely from one longitudinal marginal edge to the opposite longitudinal marginal edge of the strip. The invention involves passing the thin metal strip through corrugating rolls for impressing a series of single apex, V-shaped chevron corrugations into the surface of the metal strip. The rolling of the strip between the helical gears is done in such a way that the apex of the V-shaped chevron is the last portion to leave the corrugating rolls whereby the apex is in tension and enables metal strip to be split into two obliquely corrugated metal strips along the apices of the chevron.

Abstract: A vacuum wafer expander apparatus and method of wafers for use in electrical circuitry. A plurality of electronic semiconductor devices being connected to a flexible member means suitable for are mounted on a brace or bracket frame member means. The brace or bracket frame member means is suitable for being removably mounted on a bracket mounting means having a groove therearound for accommodating a vacuum therein to allow an abutting portion of the flexible material to be pushed in said groove; thus expanding the flexible member means as well as the plurality of electronic semiconductor devices thereon. The electronic semiconductor devices can thereafter be optically inspected and individually picked up from the flexible member means for processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for segmenting groove molded building boards. In a preferred embodiment, a sheet of groove molded board is conveyed onto a first apparatus which separates the side edge trim scrap from the board. The board then passes onto a segmenting apparatus comprising a first horizontal conveyor, an inclined conveyor, a second generally horizontal conveyor, and adjustably mounted roller assemblies. The first apparatus removes the side-edge trim scrap from the board and the second segmenting apparatus breaks the groove molded board transversely along the groove molded lines. In addition, the second apparatus separates the leading and trailing edge scrap so as to provide individual board panels which require no additional trimming. As an alternative, two segmenting conveyors can be used in tandem so as to remove all of the scrap, thereby obviating the need for the first trim-scrap removing apparatus.

Abstract: A container is constructed from a paperboard sheet having a channel including a surface area of the paperboard sheet from which paperboard material has been removed and a tear strip at least partially bounded by the channel for opening the container by separation of the paperboard sheet along the channel.

Abstract: A stop mechanism for a feed roller associated with a cutter in a dispenser for flexible rolled web material has a stop lever mounted to pivot in a plane normal to a feed roller rotational axis, such lever having a slot with lift and stop flanges disposed on opposite sides of the slot, respectively. A feed wheel rotatable with the feed roller has a control tab to successively engage with the lift and stop flanges so that as the feed roller rotates by web material being pulled from the dispenser, the control tab first lifts the stop lever by means of the lift flange and then abuttingly frictionally engages with the stop flange to retain the stop lever in its lifted position and stop feed roller rotation until the frictional engagement is relieved by pulling tension on the web being terminated whereupon the lever drops until the tab can pass over the upper end of the stop flange to free the feed roller for further rotation.

Abstract: A method for cutting flexible formed shell product from a flexible plastic foam sheet. In the method, a foam shell formed in the sheet is drawn into and positioned in a die unit lower cavity and the die assembly is clamped together. A cutting die unit having dual curved serrated knife elements then descends and severs the formed shell from the sheet at all locations except for two short segments located at opposite ends of the formed shell. Then as a separate step, the partly severed formed shell is punched out from the flexible foam sheet, so as to provide multiple formed products. The products are usually formed as multiple units oriented in an end-to-end relationship in the foam sheet and which are simultaneously severed from the sheet. Cutting die apparatus adapted for cutting the formed products from the foam sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for zig-zag folding a series of web segments connected at transverse lines of perforation and for separating a pre-determined series of the web segments into stacks having co-acting folding rolls adapted to deliver a zig-zag folded web, a pair of opposed cantilevered plates movably mounted adjacent the folding rolls to provide alternative support for a developing stack and to prevent concavity, and means for moving the plates.

Abstract: Method for handling semiconductor chips and the like objects are disclosed which include the use of a flat flexible film that is supported on a flat porous texturized fabric sheet such as a woven or knit fabric having spaced fiber crossovers. Objects, are supported on the flat flexible film in intimate surface contact therewith for securely holding the same in position by interfacial forces therebetween. Adhesive may be included for increasing the interfacial force. To facilitate removal of objects from the film, the fabric is connected to a vacuum source for drawing portions of the flexible film over and between crossovers in the fabric whereby portions of the flexible sheet are withdrawn from the objects. The contact area and interfacial forces between the flexible sheet and objects is thereby reduced to enable removal of the objects from the sheet using conventional object handling techniques.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing a deckle edge on paper which involves applying a stream of liquid to a paper to form a wetted line thereon and applying a shearing force sufficient to cause the paper to separate into two parts along the wetted line thereby producing a deckle edge on the paper.

Abstract: A shearing apparatus for breaking railroad type rails into small segments with a standard rail section including a base formed from a bottom flange on each side of the head connecting web. The apparatus includes a sequential rail feed mechanism comprised of an inclined vibratable supply table, a driven conveyor and means to move rails from the supply table to the conveyor. The rails are conveyed to an advancing mechanism located adjacent the breaker head assembly. Predetermined lengths of the conveyed rails are fed into the breaker head assembly where the rail is initially clamped. Following clamping, one bottom flange, on one side of the web, is sheared through and the rail is then contacted by a breaker head positioned beyond the shear plane established by the sheared flange.

Abstract: A device for cutting a strip of paper or similar material, i.e. material in a flexible sheet which can be cut or torn easily, said strip having preestablished transverse lines of weakness. The strip is tensioned and then contacted with a blunt edged blade to tear the strip at the line of weakness.

Abstract: A conveyor table is provided on a floor mounted support frame and a pair of tool guides are disposed horizontally and laterally above and below the conveyor table. Several readily removable tool and cutter assemblies, each having a freely rotatable, circular blade with teeth, are slidably mounted on the tool guides. Setscrews are provided on the tool and cutter assemblies to secure them on the tool guides in relatively opposing, vertically aligned pairs. Electrically powered drive units are disposed upstream and downstream of the tool and cutter assemblies to engage a sheet of wallboard, hold it against the conveyor table and move it between the opposing pairs of tool and cutter assemblies.

Abstract: A glass breaking tool has a blunt end on a first member which is adapted to be placed adjacent a glass plate. A second member is moveable into striking engagement with the first member so as to transmit impact forces to the blunt edge to the glass, without relative motion between the first member and the glass plate. This permits breaking a glass plate along a score line, when the blunt edge is placed directly beneath a score line in a glass plate. The second member is guided in its travel by a guide rod, the guide rod having a retaining ring in the end thereof to retain the second member on the guide rod.

Abstract: An optical fiber cleaving tool is disclosed wherein a housing insertably receives an optical fiber extending from a fiber optic ferrule. A cleaving module is contained in a housing for scoring the fiber. A fiber pulling element grasps the fiber at a location spaced from the second location, and simultaneously axially offsets the fiber and pulls the second location away from the first location to effect severing of the fiber at the scored location.

Abstract: A method for tearing a thin sheet material and a tearable thin sheet material having a predetermined tear line wherein the material is corrugated along a predetermined tear line to be torn. The corrugations have at least one edge, a base and an apex and the material is torn along said edge.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaving an optical fibre (115) under axial tension, is provided with a cleaver blade (116) which is mounted as part of a rotatable cleaver assembly. The assembly is balanced about its axis of rotation and, as described, comprises a wheel (117) mounted on an axle (138). The cleaver blade (116) is attached to an arm which extends radially from the wheel (117). A hair spring (304) drives the assembly. The cleaving apparatus finds particular application in cleaving monomode fibres under normal working, rather than laboratory, conditions.

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: An apparatus for and a method of fragmenting or subdividing bars or railroad rails are disclosed in which a plurality of rails are lifted by a front-end loader and placed on their sides on a chain driven roller system. Three sets of hydraulic cylinder and plunger assemblies actuate holding, notching and breaking mechanisms which are used to fragment the rails. Actuation of the first pair of hydraulic cylinder and plunger assemblies causes the activation of a hold-down bar which prevents movement of the rails and actuation of the second pair of hydraulic cylinder and plunger assemblies causes a knife member to notch the bottom flange of each rail. The third pair of hydraulic cylinder and plunger assemblies is mounted at a non-perpendicular angle to the horizontal. Operator actuation of this third pair of cylinders causes a breaking member, which pivots about an axis below the rails, to travel in an arc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for segmenting groove molded building boards. In a preferred embodiment, a sheet of groove molded board is conveyed onto a first apparatus which separates the side edge trim scrap from the board. The board then passes onto a segmenting apparatus comprising a first horizontal conveyor, an inclined conveyor, a second generally horizontal conveyor, and adjustably mounted roller assemblies. The first apparatus removes the side-edge trim scrap from the board and the second segmenting apparatus breaks the groove molded board transversely along the groove molded lines. In addition, the second apparatus separates the leading and trailing edge scrap so as to provide individual board panels which require no additional trimming. As an alternative, two segmenting conveyors can be used in tandem so as to remove all of the scrap, thereby obviating the need for the first trim-scrap removing apparatus.