Abstract: A device for cleaving fiber optic cable includes a grooved drum about which a cable is reeved mounted on a base which includes clamps for the cable ends. A cleaving break is provided beneath a section of the cable in the periphery of the drum which is expandable to vary the cleaving break dimensions. In the cleaving break is mounted a device for circumferentially scoring the cable which is then cleaved at the score mark by forcibly expanding the drum and thus the size of the cleaving break. Mechanism is provided for effecting such expansion.

Abstract: A bare optical fiber is located within the interstice of three cylindrical pins with the fiber end extending outwardly of the contact assembly. The contact is located within an axial opening of a rotatable drum member with the bare optical fiber end extending outwardly. The drum member is interconnected via bearings to an outer rotatable portion of the drum member. A pretensioning clamp is arranged to receive the bare end of the fiber to secure it between clamp heads which applies an axial tension to the bare fiber with respect to the contact. A cutter blade mounted on the rotatable portion of the drum is adjustable to move a knife edge angularly toward the bear fiber to contact the bare fiber at a point closely adjacent the contact pin ends. Rotation of the outer portion of the drum member scores the fiber, as desired.

Abstract: An optical fiber cleaving tool comprising a base supporting a sled which is biased to carry an optical fiber clamp thereon away from an inner surface of an orthogonal end wall having extending through it in alignment with the clamp an aperture disposed to receive a fiber optic connector end portion. The connector has a terminal end surface provided with a central aperture through which an optical fiber end portion extends to the clamp on the sled for axial tensioning. Aligned with the aperture in the wall is a recess having an end surface chordally disposed with respect to the aperture for abutting engagement with the terminal end surface of the connector and serving as a reference plane. A cutter rotatably mounted above the recess end surface has a peripheral portion from which protrudes resiliently a diamond-tipped end portion of a wafer-like blade which is slidably disposed in a slot extending diametrically of the disc and having a thickness greater than the thickness of the blade.

Abstract: A fiber optic cleaving tool includes, as one half of a clamping member, an elongated cleaver base pad which has one end fixed to an anvil which is mounted adjacent a cutter blade. The base pad includes alignment means, which can be upraised walls, for removably receiving a fiber guide pad having a groove therein for accepting a specific size of optical fiber. To work with a different fiber size, only the fiber guide pad is replaced, and thus the necessary critical alignment of the fiber with the cutting blade is maintained.

Abstract: For splitting an optical fibre the same is disposed on a flexible support. Two clamping devices bear onto the fibre and the flexible support, and a tool initiates the splitting of the fibre. The support is bent until the fibre is split. A cam controls the movements of the tool through a control rod and the movements of said clamping device by means of a roller integral with a movable slide.

Abstract: An optical fiber severing device comprising a support for retaining a plurality of optical glass fibers in spaced relationship, scoring device for inflicting a flaw on the glass surface of each of the optical fibers providing each of the fibers with first and second portions on opposite sides of its flaw, a pressure mechanism for slidably engaging each of the fibers and applying pressure to a contacted area of each of the fibers, and a motive mechanism for applying respective tension forces between the first portions of the fiber and the pressure means and concurrently moving each of the fibers with respect to the pressure mechanism so that the contacted areas pass over the flaws as they move along the surface of the fibers from the first portions to the second portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically cutting and retrieving for inspection a sample length of coiled material from an inner tab region of a wound coil using a machine having a motorized roller apparatus supporting and driving the wound coil. A machining arm including a cutter is introduced within the wound coil for cutting a given radial thickness of the coiled material in the inner tab region. The machining arm is withdrawn, and a specimen extraction arm having substantially "C"-shaped elements is introduced within the wound coil. The "C"-shaped elements may each have a pointed limb, which in use serves to pry out the sample length of coiled material in the inner tab region, and break the sample length loose from the wound coil in the region of the cut provided by the cutter. The extraction arm is withdrawn when the retrieving elements bring the sample length of coiled material out for inspection.

Abstract: A slitting apparatus for an amorphous metal strip employs a scribing tool to form a scribed line in a surface of the strip as it is transported past the scribing tool. The scribed strip is folded toward the scribed line and creased between mandrels. Then the crease is flattened out against a flattening surface, whereupon the strip cleanly separates into first and second strips. A separating device downstream of the flattening surface moves the newly separated edges apart. A functional relationship between at least some of the radius of the cutting edge of the scribing tool, the scribing force, the tension in the strip and the separating device is described and empirical methods for maintaining these elements with effective operating ranges are given.

Abstract: Irradiated nuclear fuel pins (30) comprising metal-sheathed refractory pellets are rendered into short lengths by notching at a pair of notching wheels (14) and providing a deflector block (18) against which the notching wheels drive the notched pins to bend and brake them at the notches.

Abstract: An elastic band cutting apparatus is disclosed which includes a movable blade mounted proximate an elastic band stock holding structure for displacement to effect cutting of the tubular stock. The apparatus also includes a movable anvil which cooperates with the blade to engage the cut elastic bands so as to grip the same between the blade and anvil. After cutting is completed, one of the anvil and blade are displaced with respect to the blade so as to break any bonds which have formed during the shearing process. The apparatus further includes stock feeding assembly which will advance the stock to the cutter and eject previously cut and separated bands onto band manipulating apparatus. A method for cutting and separating elastic bands also is disclosed.

Abstract: Tool means for severing an optical fiber which comprises first and second members joined together by pivotal connecting means for movement between opened and closed terminal positions. The members each have first portions spaced opposite to each other for providing handle means for moving the members between their opened and closed terminal positions and second portions which are spaced opposite to each other and move closer as the members assume their closed terminal position. The surface of a resilient element carried by the second portion of the first member supports thereon an optical fiber which is to be severed, and a blade means secured with its second portion of the second member has a cutting edge for engaging and inflicting a flaw on the optical fiber when the members are actuated by the handle means to assume their closed terminal position.

Abstract: A device is provided for producing a large number of fibres, generally from a thin wire, in which a cutting mechanism imparts a high initial speed to the cut wire lengths, which are then oriented in the same alignment by being passed through a funnel-shaped opening into a pipe whose diameter is less than the length of the fibres; a method is provided for using the thin oriented and aligned fibres to bond and reinforce materials, for example, concrete, and to manufacture sandwich panels, in which the concrete is applied to the fibres shot into the sandwich panels in accordance with.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting light waveguides by clamping the waveguides into clamping devices, stressing the clamped waveguides and then notching the stressed waveguides to initiate the cutting operation. The method and apparatus include an actuation element which opens the two clamping devices, releases the tensioning device and withdraws the notching device in a particular sequence and on release of the actuation element first allows the clamping devices to grip the waveguide, then has the tensioning device pivot one of the clamping devices to apply an axial tension on the waveguide and subsequently allows the notching device to notch the waveguide to initiate the cutting operation.

Abstract: A method and a device for manufacturing multilayer ceramic capacitors, in which a plate of ceramic material composed of several layers is subdivided in the green non-sintered state into separate capacitor elements. For this purpose, by means of notching members, notches of a given depth are provided simultaneously on both sides of the plate in such a manner that spontaneous ruptures are obtained through the remaining thickness of the plate. Due to this method, the contamination of the exposed electrode layers and delamination are avoided. By the use of a frame with resilient walls, the already separated capacitor elements are held together until the notching process has been carried out completely.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for slitting an endless strip of material having substantially planar surfaces by forming a pair of adjacent grooves in each surface of the material with corresponding grooves in each surface of the material being orthogonally aligned and applying a force normal to the planar surfaces of the material and between adjacent grooves and of sufficient magnitude to shear the material along a line connecting corresponding grooves. For this purpose a pair of scoring knives for each slit are mounted in relative orthogonal alignment with respect to the planar surfaces of the material with one on each side of the material. The knives form the adjacent grooves in each surface of the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaving optical fibers includes a fiber support fixed to a housing for supporting an extent of the fiber for scoring by a cleaving element. Pulling means grasp the end of fiber and offsets such fiber end relative to the fixed fiber support thereby bending the fiber about the scored location, and pulls the fiber longitudinally away from the scored location to effect a sever thereat.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for breaking railroad rails into small pieces of predetermined length includes a trailer having an infeed conveyor mounted on the bed thereof. A rail breaker device is mounted on the trailer bed adjacent the discharge end of the infeed conveyor, and a stop member is positioned downstream of the discharge end of the infeed conveyor and in obstructing relation with respect to rails moved by the infeed conveyor. The rail breaker device includes a hydraulically operated clamping and scoring member which is operable to clamp the end of the rail against the anvil plate, and to simultaneously score and cut the rail. An hydraulically operated impact member is positioned between the clamping and scoring member and the stop member, and is operable to break the rail along the score line whereby rails moved by the infeed conveyor may be continuously broken into pieces of predetermined length.

Abstract: A strip of amorphous metal is separated into first and second strips by scribing a line in a surface of the strip, thus defining first and second parts of said strip located on opposite sides of said scribed line folding and moving said parts of the strip together along the scribed line in the direction which encloses the scribed line close enough to form a crease and then at least partly flattening the strip. The strip separates into the first and second strips as the flattening operation proceeds along the strip. The facing cut edges of the first and second strips are moved apart once they are separated. To extend the life of the scribing tool, the flattening step may be extended to include reversing the crease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a cut end (5) from a tubular element (T), such as a cast iron pipe. The element (T) is horizontal and placed on means (1) for supporting and driving it in rotation around its axis (X--X) with axial immobilization. A separator roller (E) is rotatably mounted around an axis (Y--Y) parallel to the axis (X--X) on a yoke (13) supported by a jack (16) enabling the roller to advance towards the axis (X--X) in a radial direction. The roller comprises an annular central wedge (8) bordered by two lateral cylinders (10a, 10b), and penetrates during the cutting operation into a groove (3) made by the cutting tool (2) in the wall of the element (T). At the end of the cutting operation the wedge laterally separates the cut end away from the cutting tool, to thereby avoid damaging the tool.

Abstract: A machine for manually cutting glass, plastic and mat employs a head having a unique breaker assembly by which the break-out of scored plastic sheet is readily effected, and in which the pillar post for the cutting element is supported to provide a blade repositioning feature. The head also includes means for maintaining the cutting element in its extended position, particularly to enhance effectiveness for cutting fibrous or cellular mat, cardboard, and the like.

Abstract: A method for conveying a web using inner and outer pairs of elongated side jet nozzles employing the Coanda effect to propel the web while preventing undue distortion or folding thereof. Conveying is accomplished by flowing pressurized air through a plurality of apertures formed in the nozzles and attaching air flow to Coanda flow attachment surfaces slanting away from the apertures.

Abstract: A method forming a glazed tile with the edges of the glaze in the planes of the side walls of the tile including breaking protruding glaze with a compressible sheet of material.

Abstract: A hand-held optical fiber cleaving tool has a shaft for receiving a fiber which has had the end portion of the protective cover removed. A reduced diameter section in the shaft acts as an abutment, and the exposed end of the fiber is held in a V-block clamp. The clamp is spring-biased to place the fiber in tension during a circumferential scoring by a pointed scoring tool which is journaled about the shaft. The applied tension causes the fiber to break upon completion of the scoring. In an alternate embodiment which is not hand-held, support is provided for the fiber opposite the scoring tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming patterns from sheet material employs a castered cutting bit that is guided along a closed cutting path defined by the shape of the desired pattern. The bit is mounted fixedly in a presser foot and projects a predetermined amount below the surface of the foot to control the depth of cut into the material. Frangible materials are cut to depth less than the thickness of the material, and thereafter complete severance of the pattern from the sheet material is accomplished by fracturing the material along the line of cut.

Abstract: A railroad track rail lifting and breaking machine having a mobile frame to be drawn along the bed of a railroad track, runners directing downward thrust onto the ties, guides for directing the rails upwardly over the frame and runners and through a slide, the slide having clamps for clamping to the rails, there also being pressure shoes for bearing against the inner sides of the rails when clamped to break the rails, and a notching blade for producing nicks on the inner sides of the rails opposite the anvils over which the rails are broken by the pressure shoes.

Abstract: An optical fiber cleaving device having a movable scoring element mounted between a movable arm and a fiber support member. The scoring element is responsive to the movement of the movable arm to move relative to both the movable arm and the fiber support member. This relative movement permits regulation of the force at which the scoring element scores the fiber supported on the support member. Such regulation provides for a more precise depth of score reducing adverse effects thereof.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of (a) inflicting a flaw on the glass surface of an optical glass fiber to be severed, (b) contacting an area about the fiber for applying pressure thereto which compresses the fiber, and (c) moving the contacted area along the fiber while applying sufficient pressure to produce frictional force which severs the fiber as the contacted area moves over the flaw.

Abstract: A process for severing a tube sheet made from a polymeric material to expose bores of hollow fibers having the ends thereof embedded in the tube sheet, with the tube sheet having a cylindrical configuration and a stress raiser extending around the periphery thereof, wherein a ring having a lower coefficient of expansion than the material of the tube sheet is positioned to encircle the tube sheet at a location adjacent to the stress raiser. The tube sheet is then heated to expand it to the point where stress causes the tube sheet to fracture off that portion of the tube sheet encircled by the ring from the remainder of the tube sheet to expose bores of the fibers.

Abstract: Bulb edges are severed from a glass sheet. At least one score is imposed along and adjacent to the bulb edge, and the scores are sequentially opened by mechanically running the score. A pair of powered and jointly actuated, simultaneously moving cylindrical mandrels apply torque about the trailing end of the score line to sever the sheet. The lower mandrel moves in an upward direction beneath the sheet while the upper mandrel moves through an arcuate path down and toward the bulb edge. A method of severing bulb edges from a glass sheet is also disclosed in which the scores are opened by applying torque about the score line on the upper and lower edges of the trailing end of a glass sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting pattern shaped holes in glass sheets is disclosed in which a pair of continuous parallel lines are scored on the upper surface of a glass sheet in horizontal orientation so that the outermost score line defines the periphery of the pattern hole. A pair of templates having opening coincidental but smaller than the pattern hole is clamped on both the upper and lower surfaces of the glass sheet so that the outermost score line is located between the clamped plates while the innermost score line is exposed. A force is applied to the exposed area of the glass sheet to remove the glass from the pattern hole. The glass severs at both the inner and outer score lines to produce the pattern shaped hole. Breakout is additionally assisted by thermal gradients introduced in the glass sheet by applying opposing moments to the glass.

Abstract: Optical fibers are cleaved with high precision by a technique that yields flat endfaces that are perpendicular to the axis of the fiber within 1 degree, and typically within 0.5 degree. This is very advantageous for obtaining low loss splices of fibers, especially single mode fibers. In the present technique, a fiber is secured in two linearly aligned chucks in a sequence that allows one end to rotate unconstrained to minimize tortion. An axial tension is then applied in the fiber, which is next scored. The fiber then typically breaks, but cleaving can be promoted by applying further tension, or introducing moisture, if necessary.

Abstract: In a process for cutting laminated glass, the laminated glass is scored on both sides, and bent first to one and then to the other side, the two parts of the laminated glass being pulled apart while performing the second bending step. The thus-tensioned plastic sheeting is melted off simultaneously over the entire length of the parting line by a jet of heated air directed into the gap formed by the bending operation. The apparatus for conducting the process comprises two plate-like supports for the laminated glass to be cut, at least one of these supports being pivotable to and fro about an axis extending in the junction zone between the two supports. The supports (1, 2) are provided at their lower edges with conveying elements (5, 6) for the laminated glass (10) and with clamping devices (13, 14) for fixing the laminated glass (10) in place. Furthermore, a hot-air duct (15) is provided, having a slotted nozzle (30) oriented toward the junction zone (3) between the supports (1, 2).

Abstract: A high optical quality corner is produced on a cleaved crystal which may include a stripe or surface optical waveguide by making a fracture initiation mark along only a portion of the surface intercept of the desired cleavage plane with a first of two major surfaces of the crystal and then tensioning the first major surface of the crystal to fracture the crystal along the desired cleavage plane beginning at the fracture initiation mark. This produces a high optical quality corner along a portion of the intersection of the newly cleaved surface with the major surface of the crystal. This high optical quality corner is located where no fracture initiation mark was made and enables the crystal to be used in as-cleaved form for end-fire coupling between its waveguide and an external waveguide such as an optical fiber.

Abstract: A subsurface score is imposed in one surface of a glass ribbon at the bulb edge and an open score imposed in the opposite surface aligned with the subsurface score. The ribbon is cut into lehr ends after which bending moment forces are applied about the scores to propagate the open score toward the subsurface score to sever the bulb edge from the ribbon to provide a glass sheet having substantially smooth cut edges.

Abstract: A tool is provided for the cleaving or separation of optical fibers so as to provide a flat perpendicular end face for the fiber. In the cleaving process, fiber is inserted into a slot and extends between an opposing scribe and anvil positioned at the end of the slot. In order to cleave the fiber, the fiber is first moved in a direction towards the scribe which, when it touches the fiber, produces a mark or surface imperfection on the outer surface of the fiber or its cladding. After scribing, the fiber is moved in an opposite direction over the anvil at which point the fiber is broken at the scribe mark. In one embodiment means are provided to press the fiber over the anvil for more precise cleaving.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of forming a terminal for an optical fiber cable consisting of an optical fiber, a plastic buffer and at least a protective sheath. Also there is disclosed a tool for scribing the projecting end of the optical fiber so that the projecting end can be simply separated from the cable and the line of separation will be normal to the end of the terminal or connector. In a preferred embodiment the scribing tool has an equilateral triangular scribing element which selectively presents six active scribing surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for partially fracturing a glass body along a score line to facilitate subsequent severance of the body along such score line by conventional top and bottom roller devices. The partial fracturing is effected by an apparatus having an impact element periodically engageable against the glass body on the glass surface opposite the surface on which the score line is inscribed.

Abstract: A scribing machine and method in which the fiber end projecting from a connector or other fiber holder is scribed and severed with a smooth, flat face having a mirror surface at a perpendicular angle to the fiber axis and at the precise length desired for the selected end use. The machine imparts a first preselected level of tension to the fiber during the scribing operation and a second preselected level of tension during the severing operation. The first level is below the tension needed to propagate a crack across the body of the fiber and the second level is above that level. The scribing operation is effected by a tool which is effective to score the surface of the fiber to generate a flaw during the scribing operation, and is withdrawn from engagement with the fiber during the severing operation so that the fiber is suspended without interference as the crack propagates from the flaw across its body.

Abstract: A wound closure tape applicator has an elongated trapeziform casing partitioned into a front supply chamber for a roll of adhesive tape carried on a backing strip or liner and a trapeziform rear storage chamber for collecting waste backing strip. Front and bottom walls of the casing form a tape outlet slot in a lower front corner of the supply chamber. A cylindrical post extending horizontally between the casing sidewalls internally adjacent the slot guides the tape downwardly along the front wall. A front end portion of the bottom wall projects upwardly close to the underside of the post and guides the liner rearwardly to peel it away from the tape as the latter is pulled downwardly through the opening. A false bottom wall in the casing guides the liner rearwardly along the bottom wall beneath the partition into the rear chamber.

Abstract: A method for breaking or severing a rod of brittle fiber material, such as glass optical fiber, to produce a mirror end surface thereon, normal to its longitudinal axis and free of imperfection, is described wherein a linear section of the fiber, usually stripped of its outer protective coating or cladding, is supported and held at and between spaced zones and sequentially subjected to gradually increasing axial tension while its exterior surface is scored by a rotatable cutter or scoring wheel moving in and along a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of said section to effect its separation or cleavage along said plane.

Abstract: A rectangular wafer thermistor comprises a piece of ceramic thermistor material having electric contact material covering its opposite surfaces. A contact defining score mark with an open geometric shape other than a straight line extends across the thermistor through one layer of the contact material for separating the contact material on that surface into two contacts. The ends of the contact defining score mark intersect the opposite edges of the thermistor at different locations along the thermistor. The contact defining score marks may be V or U or otherwise shaped, and the intersections between the different sections of these score marks are preferably rounded, but may be sharp corners. The shape of the contact defining score mark prevents the thermistor from breaking at the contact defining score mark when the thermistor is broken off a large sheet of thermistor material.

Abstract: Damage-free scores are initiated by engaging a scoring wheel to the surface of a refractory piece with the plane of rotation of the scoring wheel forming an oblique angle to the desired path of damage-free scoring. An aligning force generated by the interaction of the scoring wheel and the refractory piece during relative movement along the desired scoring path pivots the scoring wheel into alignment with the desired path of scoring, which pivoting creates a zone of surface damage which serves to initiate a damage-free score. Facilities are provided to urge the scoring wheel out of alignment with the desired path of scoring, with a magnitude of force less than the aligning force, such that the scoring wheel automatically returns to a pivotally offset initiating position when it is disengaged from the surface of the refractory piece.

Abstract: A cutter employing two heated eccentrically mounted rollers adapted to coact with each other in order to sever a material by means of a crushing action is utilized in conjunction with a transport member to cut predetermined lengths of material from a continuous roll of said material. The cutting action of the heated rollers provides cut ends of the material which may be readily spliced together without the use of gum strips.

Abstract: A damage-free score is initiated in a moving ribbon of glass by projecting grit material toward the surface of the ribbon in a controlled manner to create a selected zone of surface damage thereon. The selected zone of surface damage is then advanced under a scoring wheel sized, shaped, and loaded to generate the damage-free score upon encountering an appropriate zone of surface damage.

Abstract: A process and machine, as a separate or integral part of a process and machine for manufacturing glassware, plastic or similar articles, adapted for the specific purpose of simultaneously cutting off excess ends of hollow glass, plastic or similar articles such as tubes enlarged at their mid-portion, comprising means for rotationally supporting the mid-portion of said articles either vertically or horizontally; thermal, electromagnetic or mechanical cutting means movable into and out of cutting relation with the excess ends of the article, rotatable grippers synchronized with the supporting means for rotationally gripping one or both excess ends during cutting of same and being adapted to exert a slight outward axial force at a predetermined rate on said excess ends until the cutting action is completed, and to release the excess ends to gravitate to a scrap collector before or after removal of the finished article.

Abstract: Damage free scores are initiated in a refractory piece by advancing a pattern of grit material on the surface of the refractory piece under a properly biased scoring wheel. The grit material is preferably harder than the surface of the refractory piece but not as hard as the scoring surface of the scoring wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a plurality of particles of grit material onto the surface of a refractory piece to be damage-free scored, whereby the entrapment of a particle of grit material between a biased scoring wheel and the surface of the refractory piece generates a zone of surface damage which initiates a damage-free score.

Abstract: A damage-free score, e.g., a subsurface score, in a moving refractory piece, e.g., glass, is initiated by imparting vibrations to a damage-free scoring wheel. The damage-free score is increased in depth by the continual impartation of the vibrations during the damage-free scoring of the piece.

Abstract: The end faces of a plurality of parallel optical fibers are all located in one plane at right angles to the general direction of the fibers after simultaneous cutting by a tool unit comprising a sliding shoe which carries a cutting-tool support. During translational displacement of the shoe, the cutting edge of the tool scores each optical fiber in turn. A flat, parallel array of fibers is stretched tangentially to the top generator-line of a bearing cylinder and held in position between two clamping members on each side of the bearing line. At the level of the notch formed in the glass fiber by scoring, each optical fiber is split in transverse cross-section by applying an abrupt tensile stress or flexural deformation to the fiber.

Abstract: A column of flat articles such as chip carrier lids (10) are assembled in a tube (35). A base (18) supports a typical row of such lids (10), each with a back surface (14) on the base (18) and a mating surface (15) facing upward. The base (18) also has an aperture (30) for passing serially downward therethrough, each lid (10) with its back surface (14) facing downward. A bracket (32) having a spring biased pin (34) and a block (38) is provided to support under the base (18) a tube (35) with an open end facing upward at the aperture (30). Plates (22, 23 and 24) are provided to guide to and introduce a lid (10) into the aperture (30) and onto any contents within the tube (35). A frictional plug (45) has fins (46) biased between opposing walls of the tube (35) to yieldably resist downward movement within the tube (35).