Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods including incorporation of additives into a bulk materials container by coating, impregnating, or otherwise applying the additives to at least a portion of the container and/or the material comprising the container. The container may be intended for containing bulk material used in a batch or continuous process, where the container can be consumed by the process along with the bulk material. The additives incorporated into the container can be substances that may be used by the process. The additives can modify the process. The additives can modify and/or condition the product being formed by the process.

Abstract: Methods for changing a strip of sealed bag precursors in to open bags are disclosed. The apparatus used in the method is referred to as a transforming machine and includes a separation station and may include a perforation station and a piercing station. The perforation station forms a plurality of end perforations in the multiple layers of a strip of sealed bag precursors. The separation station separates the plurality of end perforations in at least one film layer of the trip to form a plurality of bag openings. The plurality of end perforation are torn by the separation station, which includes manipulating the rotation of a main roller, a pressure roller and at least one separation roller.

Abstract: A wrapping film dispenser has a generally cylindrical container that defines a cavity for accommodating a wrapping film roll, and further defines a slot extending along its length for extracting a sheet of wrapping film through the slot. A gripping pad member is rigidly attached at a first lengthwise edge of the slot. A locking element is rigidly attached proximal to a second lengthwise edge of the slot. The locking element extends towards the gripping pad member, presses the extracted wrapping film sheet against the gripping pad member, and restricts movement and prevents roll back of the extracted wrapping film sheet. A cutting frame is rigidly attached proximal to the first lengthwise edge of the slot above the gripping pad member, and has a protruding element located at a predetermined location on the cutting frame for cutting the wrapping film sheet extracted out through the slot.

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: A perforating method comprising the steps of providing a pair of rotatable members, each rotatable member having anvils and perforating blades, rotating the first rotatable member in a clockwise direction while concurrently rotating the second rotatable member in a counterclockwise direction, and rotating the first rotatable member in the counterclockwise direction while concurrently rotating the second rotatable member in the clockwise direction.

Abstract: A method of patterning an electrically-conductive film is performed by providing a flexible substrate that carries the electrically-conductive film thereon to form a combined layer. The combined layer is then bent about a radius of curvature, so as to impart a stress on the brittle conductive film along the axis of curvature of the curved surface. The application of the stress to the conductive film results in the formation of crack lines that are substantially perpendicular to the direction to which the substrate and conductive film are bent. The crack lines serve to define and electrically isolate conductive sections therebetween that can be utilized as electrodes and address lines in electronic devices.

Abstract: In the method for cutting a continuously moving glass sheet with an inhomogeneous thickness distribution across the glass sheet, a cutting tool is moved across it at an angle to its travel direction to form a fissure and then the glass sheet is broken along the fissure. To avoid premature breakage in thin regions the applied cutting force is controlled by a controller based on control commands so that the cutting force is decreased when the glass sheet thickness decreases and is increased when it increases. In a preferred embodiment cutting force switchover points are based on an initial measurement of the thickness distribution. In another embodiment the thickness is continuously measured and the applied cutting force is automatically adjusted accordingly, so that the cutting force is greater when the thickness is greater, and vice versa.

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: A rotary sizing apparatus to form granola pieces includes a transfer device to move a granola slab and a diversion portion extending along a transfer axis between a receiving end and an exit end for receiving the slab from the transfer device. A rotary breaking device is disposed adjacent and in spaced relationship to the exit end for receiving the granola slab. The rotary breaking device is rotatable about a rotary breaking axis disposed above the transfer axis, and includes at least one blade for rotatably striking the top side of the moving granola slab to break the granola slab into a plurality of granola pieces. The at least one blade engages the top side of the granola slab during rotation of the blade to establish a breaking angle between zero and forty five degrees relative to the top side of the granola slab.

Abstract: A cut-off method and apparatus capable of breaking a moving web is disclosed herein. The cut-off method and apparatus include a conveying surface over which a moving web is conveyed and a web cut-off assembly opposing the conveying surface. The web cut-off assembly includes a first arm with a first web gripping surface and a second arm with a second web gripping surface, the first and second web gripping surfaces being movable relative to one another. To complete a breaking event, the first and second web gripping surfaces contact the moving web at a first contact point and second contact point. The contact points move from a first spaced apart relationship to a second spaced apart relationship causing a break in the web between the first and second web gripping surfaces.

Abstract: Upstream and downstream grippers clamp to one or more seal zones on a bandolier of packaged premiums, such that the downstream gripper(s) and upstream clipper(a) are on opposite sides of a wakened separation line. The upstream and downstream gripper(s) are independently displaced by motive devices in a downstream direction. Further displacement of the downstream gripper(s) relative to the upstream gripper(s) causes the separation line to tear, thus separating an end premium package from the rest of the bandolier. In one embodiment, the grippers clamp to the seal zones at locations offset from the bandolier axis and to one side thereof, thus causing a gradual tearing along the separation line and easier, less stressful separation.

Abstract: A method of separating opening devices supplied jointly in the form of a sheet and applied individually to respective packages of pourable food products involves feeding the sheet, which has a number of parallel rows of opening devices integral with one another, to a first station where a first row is detached from the rest of the sheet. The first row is fed to a second station where it is divided into individual opening devices, and a following second row of the sheet is fed to the first station as the preceding first row is being fed to the second station and/or is being at least partly divided.

Abstract: A system for removing chips from a web is disclosed, the system having a rotationally variable speed shoe for receiving a chip, a rotationally constant speed transfer roll for receiving a portion of a web from a die and anvil system, with the shoe initially rotating at a constant speed, slowing to allow a portion of the web to rip away from the chip at a leading rotational edge of the chip, next increasing in rotational speed to allow the chip to rip away from the web at a trailing rotational edge of the chip.

Abstract: A pane is separated from a moving ribbon of brittle material by restraining the ribbon upstream of a score line prior to separating the pane. The ribbon is restrained by selectively contacting a first side and a second side of the ribbon in one of an opposite, overlapping or offset relation. The ribbon can be restrained prior to, substantially simultaneous with or subsequent to forming the score line. The restrained status of the ribbon is maintained during and immediately after separation of the pane from the ribbon, thereby reducing the introduction of a disturbance or bending moment into the upstream ribbon.

Abstract: A packaged premium is separated from a bandolier of packaged premiums along a weakened separation line. An upstream gripper actuates to clamp to a selected seal zone, a downstream gripper actuates to clamp to a selected seal zone in an area which is across from a separation line, and the upstream and downstream grippers move in a downstream direction along a path of the bandolier. The downstream gripper is displaced relative to the upstream gripper causing a packaged premium to tear off of the bandolier along the separation line. The downstream and upstream grippers are released and moved in an upstream direction, and the process is repeated for a desired plurality of packaged premiums.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a perforator are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for separating glass sheets from glass ribbons are disclosed. One method includes forming a glass ribbon having a curvature in a lateral direction. A conformable nosing is engaged with a first surface of the glass ribbon such that the conformable nosing conforms to the curvature of the glass ribbon. The glass ribbon is scored along a scoring line on a second surface of the glass ribbon. The conformable nosing is then at least partially disengaged from the first surface of the glass ribbon by adjusting a bow of the conformable nosing. A bending moment is applied to the glass ribbon to separate a glass sheet from the glass ribbon at the scoring line. Application of the bending moment conforms the curvature of the glass ribbon to the bow of the conformable nosing prior to the glass sheet separating from the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A multi-channel separation mechanism assembly for a lottery or other ticket dispensing machine includes a separate detachable feed mechanism associated with each separate feed channel, such that the feed mechanism for a single channel can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire assembly. Each such detachable feed mechanism includes a compact transmission wherein drive is efficiently transferred from a vertically-oriented feed motor to horizontally-oriented feed rollers. Each feed channel is additionally equipped with a bidirectional mechanical flag which triggers an optical sensor to detect presence of a ticket strip in the channel while still allowing appropriate reverse motion of the ticket strip within the associated channel.

Abstract: In the method for cutting a continuously moving glass sheet with an inhomogeneous thickness distribution across the glass sheet, a cutting tool is moved across it at an angle to its travel direction to form a fissure and then the glass sheet is broken along the fissure. To avoid premature breakage in thin regions the applied cutting force is controlled by a controller based on control commands so that the cutting force is decreased when the glass sheet thickness decreases and is increased when it increases. In a preferred embodiment cutting force switchover points are based on an initial measurement of the thickness distribution. In another embodiment the thickness is continuously measured and the applied cutting force is automatically adjusted accordingly, so that the cutting force is greater when the thickness is greater and vice versa.

Abstract: A situation where glass chip produced as a result of breakage of waste glass sheets floats in a cutting chamber when the waste glass sheets produced in glass sheet producing steps are collected is suppressed. Provided is a glass sheet production installation (1), in which a sheetshaped glass ribbon (B) is formed by supplying molten glass (A) into a forming body (2) and causing the molten glass (A) to flow downward on a conveyance path extending in an upper and lower direction from the forming body (2), and the glass ribbon (B) is cut into a predetermined dimension in a cutting chamber (6) provided on the conveyance path so that glass substrates (C) are produced.

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: A system for removing chips from a web is disclosed, the system having a rotationally variable speed shoe for receiving a chip, a rotationally constant speed transfer roll for receiving a portion of a web from a die and anvil system, with the shoe initially rotating at a constant speed, slowing to allow a portion of the web to rip away from the chip at a leading rotational edge of the chip, next increasing in rotational speed to allow the chip to rip away from the web at a trailing rotational edge of the chip.

Abstract: A plastic or nylon wrap gripper to pull the wrap off its roll in such a way that the lose ends of wrap material will not fold back on itself and stick to itself. Hand held gripping device made to grip the plastic wrap by a hand and wrist movement and thereby pull the wrap off its roll.

Abstract: A coupon insertion apparatus configured for sequentially inserting coupons into receiving containers, including a machine frame, at least one pair of opposed rollers mounted to the frame and adjustable between a closed position and an open position. A moving carriage system including a main carriage housing having one roller of each of the at least one pair of rollers that are automatically slidably adjustable between open and closed positions. A control system is constructed and arranged for automating the movement of the main carriage relative to the machine frame.

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: A roll of a sheet material is provided with elongated sheets within the roll that are either completely detached from each other, or substantially completely detached from each other, such that the user can dispense the elongated sheets with one hand. In the case of toilet paper, the elongated sheets have a pre-determined length deemed to be suitable for most users and serve to assist young children in dispensing a proper amount of tissue from the roll.

Abstract: A method of operating an inserter with infeed and outfeed each driven by a separate servo motor. A controller independently energizes the servo motors to drive the infeed and outfeed to position a continuous feed of objects with a first object in the outfeed and a web between the first and second objects within a bursting space. The outfeed exerts tension on the continuous feed when the web is within the bursting gap. The web is burst and the first object is ejected from the outfeed into an item on a production line. An inserter with separate servo motors driving the infeed and the outfeed to position objects of a continuous feed, to burst webs between the objects by generating tension in the webs and to eject the burst objects from the inserter.

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: Apparatus for causing paper webs to tear off within rewinding machines, the web (2) being provided, at regular intervals, with transverse perforation which subdivide the web into sheets joined to each other but able to be separated in correspondence of said perforation lines, the apparatus comprising means to cause the tearing of the web (2) upon the passage of a perforation line (p) which separates the last sheet of a log (RO) in the course of formation from the first sheet of the next log to be formed, characterized in that the tearing means are of pneumatic type (SP) able to direct a jet of compressed air toward the line (p).

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking a perforation of a moving web includes a web conveyor adapted to move a web in a machine direction, wherein the web has at least one perforation, and at least one breaking member moveable between a first position and a second position. The at least one breaking member is adapted to be positioned remote from the at least one perforation at the first position and is adapted to be positioned adjacent the at least one perforation at the second position. A tensioning device is adapted to sufficiently tension the web against the at least one breaking member such that the at least one perforation is broken. A system and method for breaking a perforation of a moving web is also provided.

Abstract: A cottoner having a wadding section forming station, the station having: a carrier, a holder, and a feed mechanism mounted on a base in series. Moving means on the base reciprocate the a carrier toward and away from the feed mechanism. An operating controller on the base open and close the holder. The carrier has a gripper for gripping a length of wadding material to carry it from the holding means toward the feeding means when the carrier is moved toward the feed mechanism while the holder is open. The carrier releases the length of wadding material when moved away from the feed mechanism while the holder is closed to hold the length of wadding material. The cottoner includes an inserting station for inserting each section of wadding material formed at the wadding section forming station into a container. The cottoner also has a sensing station for sensing if the wadding material has been inserted, and inserted properly, into the container at the inserting station.

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

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispensing machine includes a ticket dispensing mechanism for advancing a continuous strip of lottery tickets therethrough and subsequent separation of the selected number of tickets from the continuous strip. The machine includes a framing assembly for housing the dispensing mechanism which is controlled by a computer driven printed circuit board for determining the distance that the continuous strip of tickets will travel. The dispensing mechanism is powered by a motor for rotation of a set of pinch rollers and forward feed advancement of the continuous strip of lottery tickets therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating a discrete element from a first substrate web, moving at a first speed, and placing the discrete element on a second substrate web, moving at a second speed. The apparatus includes a first station, wherein perforations are made in the first substrate web, and a second station, wherein the discrete element is separated from the first substrate web at a line of perforations and the discrete element is transferred to a positioned on the second substrate web. The first station includes a perforation cutter assembly and conveyer assembly. The perforation cutter assembly includes first and second rollers with a cutting blade, with a discontinuous edge, and an anvil surface, respectively, to make perforations in the first substrate web. The second station includes a separation and transfer mechanism having separation and transfer segments for separating and transferring the discrete element from the first substrate web to the second substrate web.

Abstract: A tool is provided that has a grasper adapted to selectively grasp a tearable medium, a conveyer adapted to selectively move the grasper along an axis to move the tearable medium against a tear-off edge to sever the tearable medium, and a controller adapted to transmit a first signal for instructing the conveyer to move the grasper and a second signal for instructing the grasper to grasp the tearable medium.

Abstract: The present invention is a laminate media, in the form of a continuous strip of carrier-less, pre-cut plastic patch protections, connected by perforations. The invention further describes both a method for separating the patches from each other by stressing the perforated patch area without stopping the driving process and a cassette within which the separation process occurs.

Abstract: The present invention is a laminate media, in the form of a continuous strip of carrier-less, pre-cut plastic patch protections, connected by perforations. The invention further describes both a method for separating the patches from each other by stressing the perforated patch area without stopping the driving process and a cassette within which the separation process occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating a discrete element from a first substrate web, moving at a first speed, and placing the discrete element on a second substrate web, moving at a second speed. The apparatus includes a first station, wherein perforations are made in the first substrate web, and a second station, wherein the discrete element is separated from the first substrate web at a line of perforations and the discrete element is transferred to a positioned on the second substrate web. The first station includes a perforation cutter assembly and conveyer assembly. The perforation cutter assembly includes first and second rollers with a cutting blade, with a discontinuous edge, and an anvil surface, respectively, to make perforations in the first substrate web. The second station includes a separation and transfer mechanism having separation and transfer segments for separating and transferring the discrete element from the first substrate web to the second substrate web.

Abstract: A ticket machine for dispensing tickets from a strip of tickets having perforated joints is provided. The ticket machine includes a roller assembly, a detection mechanism and a bursting blade. The roller assembly adapted to communicate a portion of the strip of tickets along a ticket path. The detection mechanism is disposed adjacent the ticket path and adapted to determine the position of at least a leading ticket of the strip of tickets along the ticket path. The bursting blade is adjacent the ticket path and adapted to floatably strike the strip of tickets adjacent the perforated joints to separate at least the leading ticket from the strip of tickets. A method for separating tickets from a strip of tickets connected along perforated joints is also provided.

Abstract: Device and process for severing a material web. The process includes winding the material web onto a reel and severing the material web using an expanding device. The device includes an expandable device for severing the material web, wherein the device is adapted to sever the material web after the material web is wound onto the reel.

Abstract: Dispensable sheet material includes opposite side edges spaced apart from one another to define the overall width of the sheet material. Zones of weakness are spaced along the sheet material. Adjacent zones of weakness are spaced apart by a distance of from about 50% to about 200% of the overall width of the sheet material to divide the sheet material into a plurality of sheet material segments. Each of the zones of weakness comprises a plurality of perforations and frangible sheet material portions. Each of the frangible sheet material portions has a width of from about 0.3 mm to about 1.8 mm. The total width of the frangible sheet portions in each zone of weakness is from about 10% to about 30% of the overall width of the sheet material. The sheet material has an elasticity in the dispensing direction of from about 4% to about 20%. The sheet material has a dry tensile strength in the dispensing direction of from about 4,000 grams per 3 inches of width to about 12,000 grams per 3 inches of width.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for a lottery ticket or other article dispenser system includes a direct drive coupled to a drive mechanism such as a motor and feed and discharge rollers. The feed and discharge rollers transport a stream of articles such as lottery tickets which are serially joined together along lines of weakness such as perforations or the like. Coupling the feed and discharge rollers to the common drive mechanism reduces and minimizes the need for calibration and setup for the operation of the dispenser system. Additional features of the invention include a rack and spur gear arrangement for movement of the burster wheel across the path of the tickets and platens arranged and configured in the burster system to improve the bursting quality and operation.

Abstract: An optical component cutting device for cutting at least one optical component has a clamping station with clamping members associated with a clamp drive mechanism operative to move at least one of the clamping members into dynamic clamping contact with the at least one optical component, and a cutting station having cutting members associated with a cutting drive mechanism operative to move at least one cutting member into dynamic cutting relationship with the at least one optical component as the optical component is translating along the line. An exemplary method of cutting the least one optical component including the steps of: a) guiding the optical component so that it is generally aligned with a cutting station; b) accelerating rotating clamping members to a speed generally complementary to that of the optical component line speed; and then c) cutting the optical component at the cutting station.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaving a laser bar into semiconductor chips. The apparatus includes a supporting structure on which a member slides. The apparatus also includes a pair of film layers. The laser bar is positioned between the film layers. A chamber is sealed to the top film layer. The chamber has an inlet through which gas is input. The movement of the member and the downward force caused by the buildup of gas pressure in the chamber induce cleaving of the laser bar at predetermined locations. The laser bar may have score marks at the predetermined locations to produce weak points. Pressure pulses may be coordinated with the movement of the member to break the laser bar at the desired locations.

Abstract: Apparatus uses a burster method to bow a continuous web of inserts and thereafter separates the forwardmost insert from the continuous web. A pair of feed rollers advances the forwardmost insert along a predetermined path toward a pair of burst rollers. Upon receipt of the forwardmost insert, the burst rollers first operate at a decreased relative speed with respect to the advancing speed of the web, thereby bowing the continuous web of inserts. The burst rollers then operate at an increased relative speed with respect to the feed rollers, thereby separating the forwardmost insert.

Abstract: A separating device for severing perforated tube sections includes an advancing mechanism and a tearing mechanism which respectively include opposing rollers or cylinders which are situated on both sides of the tubular web to be separated and over which endless transport bands are guided. The rollers or cylinders of the tearing mechanism can be moved in the direction toward the tubular web by a control element. The opposing rollers or cylinders in the tearing mechanism are respectively situated in swivel arms that are arranged such that they swivel around swiveling axes that oppose one another in the transport direction of the tubular web and the swivel arms swivel apart in opposite directions.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning rolls define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive assembly. A feed drive assembly advances coupons to the positioning rolls. Sensors actuate and deactuate the feed drive assembly in response to the presence of a container at a selected position and the presence of a coupon at another sensing position.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for breaking a web along spaced lines of weakness. The invention includes a compact breaker bar assembly comprising at least one breaker bar in a gap. The apparatus also includes driving apparatus to power the breaker bar assembly in breaking the web. In some embodiments, one or more breaker bars engage and stress the web along a single transverse line across the web, breaking the web. In other embodiments, at least first and second breaker bars engage and stress the web along spaced first and second transverse lines across the web. The breaker bars can be mounted on one or more rotary elements, or can be mounted on one or more belts or other breaker bar carriers, traversing closed-loop paths.