Abstract: A method of cutting an optical fiber easily on site such that its end face after being cut slants with respect to its optical axis A twist is applied to at least a portion of the optical fiber. A notch is formed in the coating and the fiber of the optical fiber at the cutting position, and an external force is applied to the optical fiber and cuts the optical fiber at the cutting position. The cutting device includes an optical fiber fixing means that fixes the optical fiber on one side of the cutting position of the optical fiber, optical fiber rotating means that fixes the optical fiber on its other side such that the optical fiber may freely rotate, and a blade that places the notch in the coating and the glass fiber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of electro-optical devices by notching, dicing, and cutting a composite substrate obtained by adhering a first substrate and a second substrate which faces the first substrate with an electro-optical layer interposed therebetween.

Abstract: In a glass cutter wheel where a blade edge is formed on a disk-shaped wheel, grooves having a predetermined shape are formed at a predetermined pitch in a 1/4 or smaller or 3/4 or smaller blade edge line portion of the entire perimeter of the blade edge. The ratio of the groove portion to the entire perimeter, which largely contributes to a scribing characteristic, is changed such that a desired scribing characteristic can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for subdividing a sheet of brittle insulating material with a plurality of semiconductor chips disposed thereon. The chips are separated by row and column kerfs each of which contains a respective scribed line. The subdivision of the sheet is accomplished by placing the sheet in a flexible conformable carrier having an open grid, formed of ribs, with each rib positioned over a respective scribe line on the surface of the sheet and forcing the sheet against an arched anvil, thereby fracturing the sheet along the scribe lines.

Abstract: A method of dividing a wafer along a plurality of first dividing lines and a plurality of second dividing lines intersecting with the first dividing lines on the surface of the wafer. The method includes an internal deteriorated layer forming step for forming a deteriorated layer in the inside of the wafer along both the first dividing lines and the second dividing lines by applying a laser beam along the first dividing lines and the second dividing lines. It also includes an intersection deteriorated layer forming step for forming a deteriorated layer thicker than the deteriorated layer formed in the internal deteriorated layer forming step by applying a laser beam to intersection areas between the first and second dividing lines. Thereafter, a dividing step divides the wafer into individual chips along the first and second dividing lines by exertion of external force to the wafer.

Abstract: A glass plate cutting machine 1 includes a cutter wheel 4 for forming a cut line 3 on a glass plate 2; a moving means 5 for moving the cutter wheel 4 along a cut line 3a which has been preset and is to be formed on the glass plate 2; a resiliently pressing device 6 for resiliently pressing the cutter wheel 4 against the glass plate 2; and a control unit 7 for controlling the resiliently pressing device 6 so as to alternately change over the intensity of a resiliently pressing force of that cutter wheel 4 with respect to the glass plate 2 in the movement of the cutter wheel 4 by the moving means 5.

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

Abstract: A printer tear bar and presenter system for printing on a strip of media and presenting a portion of the media to a user. The media comprises a plurality of perforations and a plurality of bridges of connecting material separating the perforations. The tear bar comprises first and second side portions and a center portion. The side portions and the center portions are adapted to abut the surface of the media so that friction creates stress on the bridges of connecting material. The first and second side portions are preferably tapered to concentrate tearing stress on corresponding bridges of connecting material. The printer and control circuitry are adapted to advance the media rapidly after the printer has finished printing to prevent users from pulling on the media prematurely.

Abstract: The invention relates to the labeling of industrial cylindrical containers containing acids, alkalis, solvents and other corrosive and non-corrosive chemicals. The label is printed, using a dye sublimation process, onto a plastic sleeve which is placed around the container. A portion of the plastic sleeve is biaxially oriented allowing the label to be affixed to the drum by heat activation. The device may also include a pouch for printed material related to the contents of the container and electronic circuits for tracking the container.

Abstract: A method for producing glass plates of any desired contour from sheet glass, comprising the following steps: scribing scribe lines into a least one face of the sheet glass along the contour down to a depth, using a cutting device, and positioning the glass plate on a support. The method is further characterized in that a defined force F is applied to the sheet glass so that it breaks along the scribe lines, said break extending through the entire thickness of the sheet glass. The flat glass may be sandwiched between two flexible plates prior to being placed on a base pad and being subjected to the breaking force.

Abstract: Dispenser apparatus for dispensing paper toweling includes structure for damping forces applied to a roll of paper toweling when overspin slack is taken up and modifying cutter blade timing to reduce peak pull force during dispensing. A biased damping roller is displaceable by toweling when the toweling is pulled to take up the slack and maintain the toweling in taut condition.

Abstract: A method for the singulation of hybrid circuits from a pre-scribed plate containing hybrid circuits or made of other brittle materials. The method includes the steps of providing a platen used to support the hybrid plate and which has a surface comprised of a series of sections each angled downward from its adjacent section, aligning the plate on the platen so that the scribe lines align with the surface discontinuities at the angles between the sections, securing the plate to the platen with vacuum pressure, creating a pressure differential between a space above the plate and a space below the plate, and applying the pressure differential to sequentially break the plate along the pre-scribed lines by forcing the plate against the angles.

Abstract: A wafer dividing apparatus for dividing a wafer whose strength is reduced along a plurality of dividing lines, along the dividing lines, which comprises a tape holding means for holding a protective tape affixed to one side of the wafer; and wafer dividing means, each comprising a plurality of tension application means comprising a first suction-holding member and a second suction-holding member for suction-holding the wafer held on the tape holding means through the protective tape on both sides of a dividing line, and moving means for moving the first suction-holding members and the second suction-holding members in such directions that they separate from each other.

Abstract: A process to fracture connecting rods and the like, that are made of high strength materials, comprises of the following mechanisms: (a) Fatigue: fluctuation of stresses in a pre-notched connecting rod due to the use of harmonic excitation will extend the notch tip in the connecting rod and will weaken the predetermined fracture plane by creating micro-cracks, (b) Resonance: resonance occurs when the frequency of the used harmonic excitation matches a natural frequency of the connecting rod, idealized as a structural system, (c) Pre-stressing forces: by applying pre-stressing forces acting in the same loading mode, the stresses in the connecting rod due to several force components can be superimposed, (d) Dynamic force: applying a dynamic force will raise the stress intensity factor, exceeding the fracture toughness of the material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is glass cutting apparatuses and methods of cutting glass using the glass cutting apparatuses. More particularly, disclosed is a glass cutting apparatus which cuts a glass sheet (140) by forming a crack in the glass sheet using a laser beam and by lifting the glass sheet using a bending unit (160), and a method of cutting glass using the glass cutting apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a web material are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a bedroll and a chop off roll. The bedroll includes a bedroll blade and a bedroll web pin. The chop off roll includes a pin pad and a plurality of chop off roll blades. The bedroll web pin and the bedroll blade mesh with the pin pad and the chop off roll blades. The chop off roll blades are moved relative to the bedroll blade, stretching and separating the web material. The web pin perforates the web material and may completely or partially separate a portion of the web material. The web pin and the separated portion perforate the pin pad. The separated portion is stripped from the web pin as the pin passes out of the pin pad.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating plate-shaped workpieces of mechanically brittle and nonmetal materials along any contour desired, comprising the following steps: Scratching of separating lines along the contour up to a depth T by means of a cutting device in at least one side of the plate-shaped workpiece is hereby characterized in that the plate-shaped workpiece is stimulated to bending vibrations at a vibration amplitude along the separating lines, so that the plate-shaped workpiece is completely separated along the separating line.

Abstract: A display device includes a pair of glass substrates. On the side of each of the pair of glass substrates, a press mark is formed between a first end of each of the pair of glass substrates and a position at least 0.3 mm but no more than 3 mm away from the first end, another press mark is formed between a second end of each of the pair of glass substrates and a position at least 0.3 mm but no more than 3 mm away from the second end, a scribing groove having a predetermined scribing amount is formed between the press marks, and there are rib marks in the scribing groove.

Abstract: An improved ticket dispensing apparatus to efficiently and expeditiously control the separation and dispensing of tickets from a continuous strip of tickets. Once a ticket selection is made, a control circuit activates the dispensing mechanism for dispensing the selected number of tickets. The strip of tickets is drawn into engagement with a pair of drive rollers and forced into engagement with a downstream deflector plate. Once a measured and predetermined ticket length has been met, the direction of movement for the drive rollers is reversed and a unidirectional clutch engaged. The clutch rotates a deflector plate used to force the strip of tickets into engagement with a stationary cutting blade along a perforated line scored in the ticket strip so that the desired number of tickets are separated from the ticket strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for dividing up substrates (2) in wafer form (e.g. wafers), which is used in the semiconductor industry, MST (microstructure technology) industry and photovoltaic industry, whereby improved reliability of the process and lower reject rates are accomplished. This object is achieved according to the invention by using adhesion forces that act between the substrates in wafer form and the devices (1) thereby used.

Abstract: A tissue roll for peripheral dispensing is provided with zones of perforations for facilitating the detachment of tissue substrate sheet. The tissue roll is wound along its length and has a width that is perpendicular to its length. The zones of perforations have a general direction that is at an angle greater than zero to the width of the tissue substrate. Benefits for ease of dispensing and for process-ability are induced. In one embodiment a differential perforation pattern is used. The invention also relates to the process of making such a tissue roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for scoring a glass ribbon moving along a longitudinal axis of a channel includes a linear slide adapted for mounting across the channel at an angle relative to a transverse axis of the channel, a traveling carriage coupled to the linear slide for travel along the linear slide, and a light-emitting device coupled to the traveling carriage and operable to emit a light beam at a wavelength that is absorbable at a surface of the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A method for producing glass plates of any desired contour from sheet glass, comprising the following steps: scribing scribe lines into a least one face of the sheet glass along the contour down to a depth, using a cutting device, and positioning the glass plate on a support. The method is further characterized in that a defined force F is applied to the sheet glass so that it breaks along the scribe lines, said break extending through the entire thickness of the sheet glass. The flat glass may be sandwiched between two flexible plates prior to being placed on a base pad and being subjected to the breaking force.

Abstract: A scribing unit is provided to perform a scribing process in which unit substrate are separated from a panel where the unit substrates are formed. The scribing unit includes a megasonic vibrator, which applies a megasonic vibration to a wheel to make fracture surfaces of the unit substrates smooth. Therefore, it is possible to omit a process of grinding the edges of the fracture surface of the unit substrates before cleaning the separated unit substrates.

Abstract: A method of cleaving an optical fiber and apparatus therefor including a hand tool wherein the optical fiber to be cleaved (6) has a natural path. The method of cleaving includes deflecting the optical fiber (6) away from its natural path in a first direction and at a point spaced longitudinal along the length of the fiber deflecting the optical fiber in a second direction opposed to the first direction. The opposing deflection induce internal stresses in the fiber that extend substantially across the core of the optical fiber over a region of the length of the optical fiber. The fiber may then be scratched in this region with a cleaving blade (5) so as to induce cleaving of the optical fiber. The cleaving is controlled by controlling the internal stresses induced in the fiber by in turn controlling the degree of deflection induced in the fiber. Further the fiber (6) may be placed under extension to assist in the control of the stresses induced.

Abstract: A method of high speed cutting of non-metallic materials (14), preferably glass and laminated glass, is described. In the inventive method a concentrated microwave radiation (1) with appropriate frequency and power density is chosen so as to accomplish heating of at least one selected area (2) of the body at the required separating propagation path (3) to required temperature in a selected short time while ensuring that this temperature is large enough to create a thermal stress (6) through the thickness of the selected area that results in the separating of the body material. In one embodiment of the invention a method of high speed cutting laminated glass is described wherein concentrated microwave radiation is used for delaminating adhesive film before the step of separating the glass body.

Abstract: A first laser beam (2) and a second laser beam (3) composed of an ultraviolet laser are irradiated from a side of a second glass member (5b), allowing the first laser beam (2) to pass through the second glass member (5b) so as to condense the first laser beam (2) on the first glass member (5a) to form a first scribe line (14), condensing the second laser beam (3) on the second glass member (5b) to form a second scribe line (15), and applying a break force to the first scribe line (14) and the second scribe line (15) to cut the glass.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate and an apparatus for processing a substrate are provided, where a substrate can be prevented from being damaged during conveyance of the substrate, including turning over of the substrate, and the apparatus for processing a substrate having this mechanism for conveying a substrate is miniaturized, so that the area for installment can be reduced.

Abstract: A method and a device are described to break thin glass sheets, especially compound and sandwich sheets (double sheets) in which the scratched glass is placed scratched side down on a glass cutting table that is provided with an elastic cover. The sheets are fixed to the glass cutting table by means of a vacuum, and they are broken by applying pressure to the unscratched side with a cutter. The elastic cover has a Shore A hardness of 60 to 100 and a rebound resilience according to DIN 53 512 of 35% to 70%.

Abstract: Polymeric multilayer optical films, and laminate bodies that include such films, are provided with a melt zone that extends between a first and second portion of the multilayer optical film. If a shearing operation or other external influence acts on the film in the first portion that causes delamination of individual layers of the multilayer optical film, the melt zone is effective to prevent the delamination from propagating from the first portion to the second portion. The melt zone is characterized at least in part by a deformation of individual layers of the multilayer optical film. The melt zone can be positioned to extend along and proximate to some or all of a periphery of the multilayer optical film.

Abstract: A sheet of brittle material, such as glass, flat or bowed, is separated along a score line by applying fluid energy (compressed gas or liquid) through a fluid applicator such as a nozzle or directional fluid motivator, into a scored sheet material. A separation time of less than 1 second is possible with smooth edge quality. The brittle material can be in the form of a moving ribbon of glass sheet or a stationary sheet. A load (tension) can be applied transverse to the score line to enhance crack propagation along the score line. A controller controls the fluid pressure, release time and other process parameters for best results, depending on material properties and structure.

Abstract: A device and method are for separating at least one optical fiber. A swivelled element and an asymmetric anvil are used so that a section of the fiber is contacted only in two positions that are substantially insignificant for the tensile strength of a spliced fiber. In one position, the glass fiber core of the section of the fiber is protected from damages by a fiber sheathing. In the other position that is contiguous to the position of separation, mechanical damages are of minor importance since they are at least partially repaired by the heat produced during splicing.

Abstract: A substrate (1) having a first groove (4) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (3) on the first groove (4). These protrusions (4) can have a top with an apex angle of 30 to 150 degrees and results in a controlled breaking of the substrate (1) and a minimum of loss due to deviations of the crack initiated at the protrusion (4).

Abstract: An exemplary cutting system (1) for a master liquid crystal panel includes a master liquid crystal panel (10) and two charge-coupled devices (12). The master liquid crystal panel includes four corners, and four alignment marks respectively provided at the corners. At least two of the alignment marks at two diagonal corners are different from each other, and the difference are selected from the group consisting of a difference in shape and a difference in distance from a center of the master liquid crystal panel. The charge-coupled devices are positioned adjacent to two adjacent corners of the mother liquid crystal panel at any one time, and are configured to detect and identify the alignment marks at such two adjacent corners. A related method for cutting the master liquid crystal panel is also provided.

Abstract: A method for dicing a wafer including first and second layers is provided. A front surface of the first layer contacts a backside surface of the second layer. The method includes: forming a sealing film on the second layer; cutting the first layer from a backside surface along with a cutting line to form a notch; removing the sealing film; irradiating a laser beam on the front surface of the second layer along with the cutting line to form a reforming region in the second layer by a multi photon absorption effect; and dividing the wafer along with the cutting line from the reforming region as a starting point of dividing.

Abstract: A method of operating a flying shear for cutting a rolled strip, which includes at least one drum provided with a blade, includes synchronizing a peripheral speed of the blade with a feed rate of the rolled strip, and cutting the rolled strip by effecting a partial penetration of the blade in the rolled strip to produce a weakened location of the rolled strip, and by tearing the rolled strip at the weakened location by a tensile force.

Abstract: A method of dividing glass plates for the purpose of reducing the required space in an interim buffer (80) reducing the transit times of different kinds of glasses, comprises generating a sequence of sub-plates (T) from the glass plates (P) stored in a blank plate storage (12), the consecutive sub-plates (T) of the sequence of sub-plates exhibiting identical or different material properties. Each sub-plate (T) is subdivided further by scribing and breaking-off until a desired cut piece has been attained. The generated cut pieces are deposited in a predetermined order in the interim buffer (80) and as called for are processed further. Equipment dividing glass plates into cut pieces accordingly entails that different cutting and breaking-off systems are preceded by at least one intermediate storage receiving at least two glass plates exhibiting different material properties and delivering a programmed sequence of sub-plates, the consecutive sub-plates exhibiting identical or different material properties.

Abstract: Wiping material dispenser apparatus includes a basic housing that receives an articulated cover and a cartridge including two transverse flanges. An upper part of the flanges receives a roll of material and a lower part thereof receives a first blade-holder drum and a second return drum, the drums receiving crown wheels for the connection thereof. The return drum receives a third crown wheel that co-operates with the drum rotation actuation mechanism which includes a fixed cam. The blade-holder arm is provided with transmission means that involve the use of a mobile cam which actuates the cutting blade. The fixed and mobile cams co-operate with one another, defining the trajectory of the cutting blade.

Abstract: In a system for cutting glass sheets into shapes there is at least one cutting site (A, B). In order to align the glass sheet which is to be cut or the glass sheet shape into a defined position, on the edge of the tables I and II there are contact edges (21, 44, 45). In order to move the glass sheets and the glass sheet shapes into contact with the contact edges (21, 44, 45) the tables I, II are aligned sloping down toward the contact edges (21, 44, 45) so that the glass sheets and glass sheet shapes slide on air cushions produced between the glass sheets or glass sheet shapes and the tables (I, II) in contact with the contact edges (21, 44, 45). The glass sheets or glass sheet shapes which adjoin the contact edges (21, 45) are coupled by force-fit to the conveyor belts (20) which are provided in the area of the contact edges (21, 45) and then moved to the cutting site (A, B) which is located following the table (I, II).

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

Abstract: To realize a method of manufacturing an electro-optical device, which is capable of completely dividing a plurality of substrates used for the electro-optical device along division lines, in a method of manufacturing the electro-optical device, two or more substrates used for electro-optical devices, which are adhered to each other, are divided along division lines. The method includes adhering, a first substrate and a second substrate, on whose one surface a plurality of grooves or a groove is formed in a predetermined width along a division line, to each other on the surface of the second substrate where the plurality of grooves or the one groove is formed and dividing generated cracks in the other surface of the first substrate, which is opposite to the surface adhered to the second substrate, along the division line to divide the first substrate and the second substrate that are adhered to each other.

Abstract: An automatic cutting device is described for cutting an assembly. The assembly includes a material having a weakened zone therein that defines a useful layer and being attached to a source substrate. The cutting device includes a cutting mechanism and a holding and positioning mechanism operatively associated with the cutting mechanism. The holding and positioning mechanism positions the material so that the cutting mechanism detaches the layer from the source substrate along the weakened zone. The cutting device also includes a control mechanism for adjusting at least two different portions of the assembly during detachment of the layer to facilitate a more precise detachment.

Abstract: In the method for loading a glass processing installation (5) with loading portions (10a), glass plates (10, 10b) are extracted repeatedly from a storage unit (20) in a predetermined sequence and divided into a residual portion (10b), which is stored in the storage unit, and a loading portion (10a), which is delivered to the glass processing installation. It is thereby possible to selectively load the glass processing unit with portions of glass plates of certain dimensions and of a determined sort. The device for loading a glass processing installation comprises a storage unit (20) with at least two compartments (21), each compartment being capable of receiving at least one glass plate (10, 10b), and displacing means for displacing a glass plate in a compartment at least partially out of the compartment.

Abstract: A process to fracture connecting rods and the like, that are made of high strength materials, comprises of the following mechanisms: (a) Fatigue: fluctuation of stresses in a pre-notched connecting rod due to the use of harmonic excitation will extend the notch tip in the connecting rod and will weaken the predetermined fracture plane by creating micro-cracks, (b) Resonance: resonance occurs when the frequency of the used harmonic excitation matches a natural frequency of the connecting rod, idealized as a structural system, (c) Pre-stressing forces: by applying pre-stressing forces acting in the same loading mode, the stresses in the connecting rod due to several force components can be superimposed, (d) Dynamic force: applying a dynamic force will raise the stress intensity factor, exceeding the fracture toughness of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of converting a web of indefinite length into a plurality of web portions by slitting the web at a transverse point prior to processing the web portions into a plurality of use supply forms (such as rolls), wherein the plurality of web portions are separated by a two-stage process. A first stage of the process is a partial separation operation that almost entirely separates the web portions, but leaves the web portions connected, such as by a slitting operation that leaves a series of connected zones. The second stage includes the complete separation, such as by breaking of the connected zones. The complete separation of the web portions preferably occurs near the station at which the use supply forms are created, such as a winding station. Thus, the web portions, after substantial separation at the first stage can be handled (for example, guided and tensioned) as if the plurality of web portions were a full width web.

Abstract: A substrate (1) having a first groove (4) is provided with a protrusion (3) on the first groove (4). This protrusion (4) preferably has a top with an apex angle of 30 to 150 degrees and results in a controlled breaking of the substrate (1) and a minimum of loss due to deviations of the crack initiated at the protrusion (4).

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

Abstract: A system for dispensing thermoplastic bags or the like from a roll of bags. The present system is configured for point of use dispensing to a customer, such as in the produce section of a grocery store or market. The preferred, exemplary embodiment of the present system teaches a bag dispensing rack configured to hold a single roll of produce bags, but which is configured to provide an interlocking system for stacking multiple racks of bags one upon the other, each rack holding a single roll of bags, which may be of different configurations or sizes. Each bag pack is dispensed from a roll which includes first and second retaining side walls, a base, and a front opening terminating in a dispensing tongue, which is configured to engage an open slit situated medially relative to a perforated dispenser line juxtaposed each bag forming the bag roll.

Abstract: A method for producing glass plates of any desired contour from sheet glass, comprising the following steps: scribing scribe lines into a least one face of the sheet glass along the contour down to a depth T, using a cutting device, and positioning the glass plate on a support. The inventive method is further characterized in that a defined force F is applied to the sheet glass so that it breaks along the scribe lines, said break extending through the entire thickness of the sheet glass. The flat glass may be sandwiched between two flexible plates prior to being placed on a base pad and being subjected to the breaking force.

Abstract: A method of producing a tubular device is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular stock having an axial passage, heating the tubular stock at a first heating location to form a softened section, the softened section separating a workpiece portion of the tubular stock from a remaining portion of the tubular stock, and drawing the workpiece portion away from the remaining portion to elongate the softened section and separate the workpiece portion from the remaining portion to form the tubular device. The drawing is performed at a rate such that the tubular device has an axial passage having a substantially uniform inside diameter, and an end of the tubular device formed from the elongated softened section is tapered.