Abstract: In a method of breaking an optical fiber, wherein the fiber is scored transversely and tensioned to cause a crack to propagate completely across the fiber, tension sufficient to cause the crack to propagate is applied after, but not during, the scoring step. During the scoring step the fiber is subjected to a controlled tension insufficient to sever the scored fiber. The resulting broken fiber ends generally are flat and perpendicular, and thus suitable for making low-loss interconnections. Preferred apparatus for breaking the fiber has a common actuator providing sequential control of individual means for locating, scoring and tensioning the fiber. The common actuator may be rotational, facilitating powered operation by a drive motor, and may be adjustable axially to enable accurate adjustment of the position at which the fiber is scored. In one, preferred, embodiment suitable for breaking a fiber at a predetermined distance from a connector already attached to it, the connector skirt screws onto a bush.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the manufacture of bearing rings ruptured along an arrow-shaped partition line for antifriction bearings or similar devices. According to the invention a radial bore is introduced through the middle of the ring transversely of the bearing axis, and in the opposite end faces are introduced V-shaped notches which are displaced in relation to the radial bore in a circumferential direction. The bearing ring is supported on one end and ruptured first on that end by a force directed against the opposite end. The ring is turned over and again ruptured similarly until an arrow-shaped partition line extends from the radial bore to the notches.

Abstract: Disposable receptacles for storing articles in sterile condition and having breather means integral with the walls thereof, as well as apparatus and methods for making such receptacles and the materials therefor, are disclosed. The receptacles are fabricated of a laminate comprising a layer of breathable barrier material such as paper and a layer of thermoplastic, polymeric material such as polyethylene.The breather means may be made by heat sealing the thermoplastic layers of a pair of laminated sheets together at small, selected areas and then separating the sheets causing localized delamination of the layers and the formation of ruptured, blister-like projections in the thermoplastic layers at the heat seal positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting each light waveguide of a plurality of light waveguides which are assembled in a cable of light waveguides characterized by an anvil positioned between a pair of common clamps for holding the waveguides parallel to each other with one clamp being biased away from the other clamp, a lifting device for lifting each of the light waveguides sequentially one after another so that the lifted waveguide carries all of the tension provided by the force acting on the moveable clamp and a notching device for simultaneously notching or scratching the lifted waveguide to cause separation of the waveguide at the notch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for breaking off the marginal strip of a glass blank scored according to a predetermined contour. The glass blank, resting with its entire surface on an elastically resilient support, is put under tensile stresses in the area of the marginal strip by lowerable pressure tools.

Abstract: A simple, reliable, and inexpensive method for cleaving small diameter optical fibers comprises the steps of heating the fiber at a point along its length by contacting the fiber with an electrically heated wire and contacting the fiber, including the heated portion, with a volatile liquid whereby the fiber is cooled. The fiber may be cooled by spraying it with a liquid fluorocarbon.

Abstract: A method of forming a mesa in a semiconductor device comprises forming a plurality of such devices on a wafer, mechanically cutting relatively wide channels to a predetermined depth in said wafer at positions around individual ones of the devices to partially separate the devices from each other. The mechanical cutting technique defines mesa walls and plain surfaces between individual devices. These channels are then etched to repair scars caused by the cutting technique and, thereafter, the wafer is broken along the center line of the channels to separate the devices from each other.

Abstract: A channel-shaped trim having a longitudinally extending opening for embracing and clamping an edge flange of a support member and a method for producing such a trim.The trim is comprised of a core member composed of a band-shaped metal network which covered and finally broken either partially or totally and thereby separated into a plurality of transversely extending strips, blocks, or into a substantially continuous strip extending along a meandering line through the trim.The method for producing such a trim includes the steps of preparing a band-shaped network with transversely and longitudinally disposed connecting portions and spaces disposed therebetween, covering the network with an elastic or bondable covering material, such as rubber or a synthetic resin, transversly breaking the connecting portions partially or totally in the covered network and bending the covered and broken network in the transverse direction to produce a channel-shaped trim.

Abstract: A spacing conveyor section includes a plurality of shafts each having a spring mounted thereon and a plurality of spaced donut rolls mounted on the spring. Glass sections having their leading edges transverse to the sheet movement path and generally aligned with one another are advanced onto the spacing rolls. Thereafter the springs are stretched to increase the distance between sides of adjacent sections. The sections are then advanced along the spacing conveyor section into downstream work positions.

Abstract: A machine and method for subdividing into individual substrates a wafer which is prescored with a pattern of intersecting score lines defining the substrates. The wafer is progressively directed over a first wafer-engaging surface substantially paralleling one set of score lines, and this surface operates during a breaking operation to impart a localized force at a score line in the set. The wafer is halted for the breaking operation, after which the broken-off portion is directed over a second wafer-engaging surface substantially paralleling the other set of score lines. This second surface operates, during a substrate breaking operation, to apply a localized force adjacent a score line of the other set. The broken-off portion is also halted for this second breaking operation, in which an individual substrate is separated from the previously broken-off portion of the wafer. An inclined track transports the material from the first to the second breaking operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cutter for long glass tubes which are placed on a feeding table, and dropped into a carrier one by one, and then onto a specially wound conveyor for wave-like-transversal feed. When the glass tubes pass the cutter, they are cut one by one to the required length and the cut glass tubes are then packed or conveyed to another place for further processing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cutting glass and particularly to a method and apparatus for cutting glass circles. By means of the invention, the score formed in the glass is caused to run through the glass, as the score is being made, so that the glass will be cut with a smooth edge and no additional treatment of the edge is necessary. The apparatus of the invention may consist of an attachment which may be applied to standard circle cutting machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for fragmenting or subdividing railroad rails wherein rails on tiltable platforms at the respective outer sides of two longitudinally extending, parallel sets of conveyors are lifted, one at a time, over fences on the platforms and onto the conveyors by rotatable fingers along the laterally inner edges of the platform. Inverted, shiftable T-shaped hooks engage and right tipped over rails on the conveyors prior to notching. Chisels on the ends of extensible and retractable plungers notch the outer edges of the base flanges of the rails. The notched rails advance toward holding and breaking stations and are held against upstanding, contoured walls by another set of plungers with one pair of the notches transversely aligned with breaking edges on the walls. A third set of plungers engage the portions of the rails that project unsupported beyond the breaking edges and bend these portions until separation occurs.

Abstract: Scores between leading and trailing edges of an advancing sheet are opened as the sheet moves over score opening wheels having their rotating axis transverse to the path of the sheet. The wheels are moveable along a path transverse to the sheet path to align the wheels with respective one of the scores. Sections cut from the sheet move in a side by side relation over freely rotating wheels mounted on a bowed shaft to space side edges of the adjacent sections to prevent edge damage.

Abstract: A method of preparing the upper end of a concrete column containing elongated reinforcing elements for connection to a cast-in-place beam supported by the column. The method comprises the steps of determining the elevation at which the column is to engage the beam, severing the column a distance above said elevation, axially core drilling the column to said elevation, scoring the outside of the column at the elevation by use of an abrasive saw, crushing the shell of the column about the area previously core-drilled to fracture the concrete and free the elongated reinforcing elements, and finally bending the elongated reinforcing elements into a position in which they tie into the cast-in-place beam structure to be supported by the column.

Abstract: A rapid method of cutting thin amorphous metal sheet material is to use a focused heat source such as a laser beam or electron beam to heat local regions of the material above the crystallization temperature and form brittle crystalline lines along which the material fractures when it is mechanically deformed as by passage through a set of rollers. The material is not melted and does not form burrs. A higher packing factor is possible for motor and transformer laminations.

Abstract: An improved tool for cutting optical fibers by the scribe-and-break technique is provided. The tool has a scribing edge transversely directed with respect to, and normally spaced from, an arcuate convex fiber supporting surface. When moved normally with respect to the fiber supporting surface, the scribing edge defines a scribing plane. Spring members, located on opposite sides of the scribing plane, are compressed between the fiber supporting surface and a bearing surface, causing the optical fiber to be clamped between the spring members and the fiber supporting surface. This compression also forces the spring members to slide longitudinally along the fiber supporting surface away from the scribing plane, imparting an axial tensile stress to the optical fiber. The optical fiber is finally scribed by the scribing edge, resulting in propagation of a fraction over the cross section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for microtomy utilizing a vitreous carbon knife element having particular properties. The knife element may desirably be rendered hydrophilic along at least one surface to facilitate cleaved sample processing, and provides for economical, high quality cleaving of multiple tissue samples.

Abstract: A method and a device for cutting or breaking a plurality of light waveguides which are contained in a cable characterized by clamping each of the light waveguides at spaced points to hold a portion of the waveguides between said points parallel to each other, positioning the light waveguides extending between the points over an anvil with each of the light waveguides being parallel to one another, applying a common tension force to each of the waveguides at the other side of the anvil, applying a vertical force to each of the waveguides at a point on one side of the anvil to apply an axial prestress to each of the waveguides extending across the anvil, and notching each of the prestressed light waveguides at a point in contact with the anvil to cause separation of each of the waveguides at its notch.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for scoring block size glass sheets into shapes for further fabricating into automotive windshields, side lights and the like. The apparatus includes a continuously operating conveyor for advancing the block size glass sheets to and from a scoring station, including a sheet capturing mechanism whereat a sheet is captured and held in a predetermined position on an operating roll conveyor beneath a positionable scoring unit which produces at least one score line on the glass sheet along a predetermined path. Thus the scored sheet, when released, is quickly conveyed away from the scoring station.

Abstract: An apparatus for scoring a glass sheet includes a scoring wheel rotatably mounted to one end of a shaft mounted in a rod end ball joint and a spring acting on the other end of the shaft to urge the wheel toward a sheet movement path under a predetermined force. The glass sheet is advanced along the path under the scoring wheel to urge the scoring wheel against the biasing action of the spring. The axis of the scoring wheel is aligned in a plane normal and transverse to the movement path by the motion of the glass sheet as it advances under the scoring wheel.

Abstract: Scores imposed in a glass sheet are propagated by heating the sheet about the score to induce thermal bending moment forces about the score to sever the sheet.

Abstract: Bulb edges of a glass sheet severed from a glass ribbon, i.e., lehr ends are removed by imposing a pair of scores in the bulb edge with the score closest to the edge of the lehr end deeper than the other score. The surface of a resilient member lying in a plane subtending an oblique angle with the sheet is moved downward against the bulb edge to sequentially sever the bulb edge at the first and second scores.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous cold cutting or slitting of a flat material wherein the flat material is subjected to a first step of partial-shearing or penetration in a zigzag state to a controlled depth of penetration, and subsequently to a second step of flattening, thus forcing the penetration formed in the material back to substantially the original thickness of the material, thereby to perform complete severing or slitting the material having no burrs formed during the operation. The first working action is obtained from feeding of the flat material into the controlled spacing of opposing pairs of cutter discs so that there occurs partially shearing or penetration in the flat material under an optimally predetermined interfering action by the opposing pairs of cutter discs into the material when it engages therewith.

Abstract: The invention enables the scoring and breaking out of a pair of glass blanks from a single sheet of glass in a rapid and efficient manner. Apparatus is provided which carries out a method including the steps of applying first and second score line patterns to a single piece of glass, which patterns define, at least in part, the outlines of glass blanks to be subsequently broken out from the piece of glass. Following this operation, forces are applied to the piece of glass in such a way as to sever the glass along a portion of one of the score lines and to split the piece of glass into two parts each having a respective one of the patterns thereon. The glass parts are then separated a selected distance away from one another and thereafter breakout forces are applied to the glass parts to sever such parts along their respective score line patterns.

Abstract: A cutter and cutting method for cutting synthetic resin sheets or ribbons in a manner that avoids the formation of particulates from the cutting operation are disclosed. The cutter includes a blade and associated sheet holding structure for creating a sharp bend in the sheet. The sharp bend creates a zone of high stress in the sheet. An element for rapidly heating the sheet is brought near the edge of the blade where the fold in the sheet exists. The localized stress in the fold cause the sheet to rupture along the fold after the sheet has been heated to a sufficient extent.

Abstract: A method and device for assuring uniform lengths of cleanly end broken pasta from elongated relatively wide ribbons is disclosed which elevates folded over pasta paste ribbons between two opposed knife edge members which are moveable towards and away from one another. Movement of the knife edge members is timed relative to the elevational movement of the ribbon. The knife edges are serrated and, when moved towards one another, entrap the ribbon therebetween scoring the ribbon at uniform distances along the length of the ribbon. After drying the ribbons are broken to uniform lengths along the score lines.

Abstract: A hand tool for cleaving optical fibers includes a means for supporting and tensioning an optical fiber, a lever pivotably mounted on the tool body for hand actuation, and means for severing an optical fiber including a cutting element operably associated with the lever for moving the cutting element toward and across the axial direction of an optical fiber.

Abstract: Polycrystalline alumina tubing is scribed by means of laser pulses which are reiteratively focused on the same spots at spaced time intervals. By drilling small holes, the laser need be on for a very short period of time only, and only the surface layers are vaporized, thereby minimizing heat shock. The holes are deepened by repeating the series of pulses and directing them sequentially into the same holes. For tubing, an encoder is used which senses the angular position of the tubing as it is rotated and causes the laser to deliver pulses at the same angles at every revolution. When the holes have been sufficiently deepened, the tubing is snapped and breaks clean in the plane of the holes.

Abstract: Irradiated nuclear fuel is separated from the protective metal sheath in which it is enclosed by treating the sheath with an embrittling agent which effects embrittlement of the sheath, breaking up the sheath and separating the nuclear fuel material from the embrittled and broken-up sheath.

Abstract: A method for protecting electronic circuitry formed on the obverse side of a wafer from flying debris produced either by the mechanical or laser scribing or scoring of the wafer and during separation. The device is provided with a layer of abrasion resistant material on the circuit side of the wafer and the scribing or scoring is done on the obverse side of the wafer. The cracking operation is performed by applying pressure to the wafer in such a manner as to have the reverse side in tension and the obverse or circuit side in compression in order to prevent any debris which may have been cast up during the scribing or scoring operation from contaminating or damaging the circuit side of the wafer while any debris cast up during the breaking operation is thrown away from the obverse or circuit side.

Abstract: A process for cleaving boules of single crystal materials such as silicon or germanium into thin wafers. The process comprises creating an inward-directed radial stress concentration completely around a boule which intersects its crystallographic plane of minimum bond strength; and subsequently, triggering the cleavage of a thin wafer from the boule via a shock wave applied normal to its crystallographic plane of minimum bond strength.

Abstract: Methods for separating and stacking sheets of paper, cardboard and the like delivered from sheet punching machines and consisting of useful and waste portions connected together by small fillets are disclosed. The methods include supplying punched but unseparated sheets onto a severing table, severing the sheets in order to form separate stack portions and depositing these separate stack portions onto a stacking surface after withdrawing the severing table from under the stacked portions.

Abstract: Pulses from a motor-driven roto pulser, e.g., primary pulses, and from a roto pulser powered by a moving ribbon, e.g., secondary pulses, are (1) compared to determine if the ribbon is continuous and (2) used to actuate ribbon cross scoring and snapping equipment. When the secondary pulse count exceeds the primary pulse count for a given ribbon displacement by more than a predetermined amount, indications are that a ribbon break has occurred and the scoring and snapping equipment is actuated by the pulses from the ribbon powered roto pulser. When the difference between the secondary pulse count and primary pulse count is less than the predetermined amount, indications are that the ribbon is continuous and the equipment is actuated by pulses from the motor-driven roto pulser.

Abstract: A machine and method for subdividing into individual substrates a wafer which is prescored with a pattern of intersecting score lines defining the substrates. The wafer is progressively directed over a first wafer-engaging surface substantially paralleling one set of score lines, and this surface cooperates during a breaking operation to impart a localized force at a score line in the set. The wafer is halted during the breaking operation, after which the broken-off portion is directed over a second wafer-engaging surface substantially paralleling the other set of score lines. This second surface cooperates, during a substrate breaking operation, to apply a localized force adjacent a score line of the other set. The broken-off portion is halted during this latter breaking operation at which a substrate is separated from the broken-off portion of the wafer.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus includes an outer enclosure, an electrode within the enclosure, and an insulating gas electrically insulating the electrode from the enclosure. A support plate is secured to the outer enclosure, and the support plate has an opening therein. A housing, containing valve means, is secured to the support plate adjacent the support plate opening. An end plate is secured to the end of the housing. The valve means in the housing are capable of being in two positions, a first position preventing the flow of gas past said valve means, and a second position wherein an opening which is through the valve means is aligned with the support plate opening.An opening is formed through the enclosure in the wall portion thereof which is in alignment with the support plate opening. The opening through the enclosure is formed without generating contamination particles within the enclosure and in a manner which minimizes escape of gas from the enclosure.

Abstract: A glass-breaking apparatus adapted for breaking microtome knives of the Ralph type, including a generally horizontal base having right and left upright posts which serve in the manner of vices or clamps. A rigid fulcrum in the form of a hardened and elongated member is fixed to the base at a central position between the two upright structures. A movable block is positioned at a desired location between the two upright posts in such a way that the block may affect the precise placement of a piece of glass in the apparatus--by virtue of pushing the glass rearwardly against the block. Index lines are provided on the vertical front face of the block, for use in manually aligning a score line on the top of the glass piece with a desired one of the index lines. The fulcrum is preferably removable and replaceable at will with a similar fulcrum of the same or a different length.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately and precisely cleaving crystalline material comprising a platform having an edge over which a workpiece projects, and a rotatable member having a scribing point and protrusion extending substantially radially therefrom. Upon rotation of the rotatable member, the arcs described by the scribing point and protrusion are substantially parallel to the platform edge, and intersect that portion of the workpiece which projects over the platform edge.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a window, an apparatus and method for detachment of edges from a sheet of glass along a cut-off line or score is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame surrounding an open area, elastic means in the form either of elastic cables connected together at one end and connected to the frame at the other end or a belt connected to the frame and traversing the open area, a support for supporting the sheet of glass and means for moving one of the frame or support for supporting the sheet of glass so that the elastic means acts on to flex the edges of the sheet of glass about the cut-off line or score and break the edges from the window. The apparatus, further, may comprise structure for incising break lines in the edges of the glass sheet to assist in breaking the edges from the window.

Abstract: Intersecting first and second scores in a glass sheet are simultaneously opened by imposing deeper first scores in the glass sheet than second scores. A bending moment force applied to a second score opens the second score and the resulting shock from opening the second score opens portions of the intersecting first scores.

Abstract: Precision cutting means adapted for use in cutting, e.g., small holes along a continuous web. The novel apparatus by which the process of the invention is to be carried out comprises opposed cutting means, mounted on either side of a path through which a web to be processed is moved. Each cuts only part way through the web, the cuts from each side being in exact register and leaving a blank which is secure until it is removed by positive mechanical action.

Abstract: A device for separating a microscope slide into two separate sections has a arm mounted on a horizontal pivot carrying a downwardly extending glass cutter. A releasable member maintains the arm in an elevated position. A slider advances a microscope slide under the cutter releasing the releasable member to lower the cutter onto the microscope slide. A striker on the arm strikes one section of the cut slide to separate it from the other section as the cutter drops off the trailing edge of the slide. The slide then raises the arm for the restoration of the releasable means preferably by a cam attached to the arm. Advantageously, the releasable member is spring biased to its position to maintain the arm in an elevated position and is released by a cam attached to the slide. Advantageously, the slide is supported on a bed having an opening for the downward passage of the section of the slide struck by the striker with the opening having a edge underlying the cut made in the slide by the cutter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing articles made of paper, plastic and the like from n series of strips of such materials is provided wherein n represents the number of strips and is an integer equal to or greater than two. Initially transverse perforations are formed at regular intervals in each of the strips to define in each strip a plurality of elementary sections having the same length L. The strips are then superimposed such that each perforated strip is offset with respect to an adjacent strip in the longitudinal direction by a distance equal to L/n. Thereafter the apparatus which performs the method exerts, successively and independently, on each of the successively superimposed strips a pulling and tearing off action to define the longitudinally offset superimposed perforated strips into separate elementary sections.

Abstract: A method of breaking optical fibers, a fiber being scored over the entire circumference in a plane perpendicular to the fiber axis. By subsequently applying a predetermined axial tensile force to the fiber, fracture is initiated over the entire circumference of the fiber. As a result of this, fibers with a comparatively large diameter can be broken in such a way that a mirror zone is obtained across the entire fracture area. Circumferential scoring also ensures the required accuracy in respect of the perpendicular orientation of the fracture plane relative to the fiber axis.

Abstract: Drilling through a wall of a molten material containing vessel, such as a glass melting tank, for the purpose of inserting an electrode or the like, is facilitated by employing a drill rig in which the drill bit is carried on the end of the electrode, which in turn is mounted on reciprocating means. The reciprocating means preferably includes a fast-travel mechanism and a high-powered hydraulic cylinder acting in tandem.

Abstract: A glass ribbon advances through a first scoring station where a conventional score is imposed in the ribbon to provide a zone of damage to initiate a subsurface score and thereafter through a second scoring station where the subsurface score is imposed in the ribbon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting an optical fiber along a plane that is either oblique or perpendicular to its axis. In principle, a predetermined portion of a fiber is held between a fixed holding fixture and a driven retaining fixture. The driven fixture is adapted to travel in an orbiting, spiraling path. A cutting device is mounted adjacent to the fiber portion and between the fixed and driven fixtures. Upon activation, the driven fixture orbits in a spiraling path and successively, the fiber will contact the cutting edge of the cutting device when the radius of the traveled orbit is equal to the radius of the cutting edge. This contact with the cutting edge causes the fiber to be scribed circumferentially in a plane either oblique or perpendicular to its axis depending on the mounting angle of the cutting device. Further spiraling of the driven fixture bends the fiber at the scribe and causes the fiber to snap or break in the plane of the scribe mark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting simultaneously a plurality of glass fibers at an uncoated end portion so as to provide smooth mirror planar cut surfaces. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of removably securing each of the fibers on either side of a cutting point, placing each of the secured fibers on a resilient material provided in the region of the cutting point, scoring the outer surface of each of the fibers at the cutting point, and arcuately bending each of the fibers between the secured portions so as to impart a tension along the axial direction of each of the fibers, whereby the cutting occurs at the cutting point. Two embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention which perform the cutting operation in accordance with the method of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A glass ribbon moves downstream under a pair of scoring wheels to score the bulb edges of the ribbon and thereafter past a cross scorer to laterally score the ribbon. As the ribbon moves further downstream the scores at the bulb edge move under (1) a plurality of hot airstreams which propagate the fissure depth of the score and (2) under a cold airstream to concentrate the stress field about the score line to prevent premature severing of the bulb edges due to mechanical vibrations generated during subsequent opening of the lateral score.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for thermally severing a thick glass sheet by applying localized heat to one surface of the sheet along an intended line of cut and flexing the sheet adjacent the exit end of said intended line of cut to assist in the severance of the sheet and confining the cut to such line at the exit end thereof.