Abstract: A safety syringe comprising a needle redirection device that is desirably configured to bend the needle shaft forwardly of the barrel following an injection to thereby redirect the needle tip from a first position where it projects forwardly in coaxial alignment with the syringe barrel to a second position where the needle tip is covered or protected from incidental or accidental contact and associated needle sticks. Both sliding and pivoting embodiments are disclosed.

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 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: The present invention provides assemblies and methods for selectively removing resin coatings from a radiation detector. A method includes positioning a cutting edge on a resin coating formed on a radiation detector. The method further includes positioning a bonding member on the resin coating, applying a force to the bonding member such that a portion of the resin coating is pulled away from the radiation detector, and cutting the resin coating so as to detach the portion of the resin coating pulled away from the detector, thereby selectively removing the portion of the resin coating from the radiation detector.

Abstract: A method for forming a crack which can precisely form a crack in a desired direction in substrates made of brittle materials even if the substrate of a large size is placed apart from a correct reference position on the scribe table. According to this method, a crack formation presumed line M is formed following the position separated from a beam travel line L, which is the track of the movement of the center of the beam spot B, by an offset amount O by moving a beam spot B relatively to a substrate G so that the beam travel line L can be in an oblique direction to a reference axis direction X set so as to be coincident with the substantial major axis direction of the beam spot B, and further a cooling spot C is relatively moved following the crack formation presumed line M, and thereby a vertical crack is formed following the crack formation presumed line M.

Abstract: The method for mechanically breaking a flat workpiece of brittle fracturing material includes scribing spaced-apart parallel scribed lines in respective perpendicular cutting directions on the flat workpiece, especially a flat glass plate, with a laser and, after that, mechanically breaking the flat workpiece along the laser-scribed lines. In this way the flat workpiece can be divided into smaller rectangular workpieces. At least one breaking roller is used to break the flat workpiece along the scribed lines in one cutting direction. To improve the break edge quality and provide a higher yield a breaking bar that is shorter than the smaller of the width and the length of the flat workpiece is used to break the flat workpiece along the scribed lines in the other cutting direction and the breaking bar is pressed against each of those scribed lines in successive overlapping steps.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaving a section of a bar of brittle material is provided. The apparatus comprises a support adapted to hold the section of the bar in a position to be cleaved, a blade, an actuator coupled to the blade for driving the blade at least partially through the bar to create a cleaved portion of the bar, and a follower for engaging the end of the bar during cleaving. An method of cleaving a section of a bar of brittle material is also provided. The method comprises initiating a crack in the bar and driving a blade through the bar to remove a portion of the brittle material from the end of the bar. In one embodiment, the blades drives through the bar at a controlled speed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system, the method comprising receiving a request indication representing a request for an item, receiving a provided indication representing providing said item, and signalling an operator when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication. The apparatus includes a request indication receiver for receiving the request indication, a provided indication receiver for receiving the provided indication, a processing circuit for determining when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication, and a signal device in communication with the processing circuit for signalling the operator when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication.

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 dispenser for sheet material such as paper towels. The paper towels are provided in a continuous roll. The roll is mounted within an enclosure above a drum. The drum contains a cutting assembly that moves between a retracted position and a cutting position. The cutting assembly cuts the sheet material when in the cutting position. The sheet material frictionally engages the drum such that pulling the sheet material out of the enclosure causes the drum to turn. The turning of the drum causes the cutting assembly to move between the retracted and cutting positions once every revolution of the drum. More specifically, a guide projection is formed on the cutting assembly, and a track assembly is formed on the enclosure. The guide projection engages the track assembly to cause the cutting assembly to move between the retracted and cutting positions.

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: An extraction apparatus for extracting or separating cut or partially cut pieces or parts from a cut sheet at an extraction station comprises: a sheet gripping and moving device for gripping and moving a cut or partially cut sheet through an extraction station; and an extraction roller at the extraction station positioned for movement transversely of a cut sheet and being constructed, arranged and operated to move transversely of the path of movement of the cut sheet when the leading edge scrap web of the cut sheet is adjacent the extraction roller to engage and deflect the scrap web of the cut sheet passing through the gripping and moving device away from the cut pieces or parts.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method are disclosed for dispensing sheet material from at least one roll of the sheet material. Dispensing is transferred from a stub roll to a reserve roll automatically in response to sensing a predetermined quantity of the stub roll. An isolating element is provided to lift the reserve roll out of contact with dispensing rollers during dispensing of sheet material from the stub roll, and a nipping element is provided to nip sheet material of the reserve roll when dispensing is transferred from the stub roll to the reserve roll. A cam controls movement of both the isolating element and the nipping element. Structure is also provided for sensing the diameter of the reserve roll of sheet material and providing an indication when the reserve roll is a predetermined diameter. The dispenser is quiet and capacity efficient.

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: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. A substrate, such as a bonded substrate, is loaded into the cleaving tool, and two halves of the tool are brought together to apply a selected pressure to the substrate. A compliant pad of selected elastic resistance provides support to the substrate while allowing the substrate to expand during the cleaving process. Bringing the two halves of the tool together also compresses an edge seal against the perimeter of the substrate. A thin tube connected to a high-pressure gas source extends through the edge seal and provides a burst of gas to separate the substrate into at least two sheets. In a further embodiment, the perimeter of the substrate is struck with an edge prior to applying the gas pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor wafer cleaving method and apparatus which are used to obtain an ideal vertical cleaved plane of semiconductor wafers. A semiconductor wafer (1) having a scribing mark (2) inscribed on the surface is set on fulcrum members (6a and 6b). The fulcrum members (6a and 6b) are left-right symmetrical centering around the scribing mark (2) and parallel to the scribing mark (2). Fulcrum members (4a and 4b) are disposed left-right symmetrically centering around the scribing mark (2) and in parallel to the scribing mark (2) on the upper side of the semiconductor wafer (1). The fulcrum members (4a and 4b) are disposed outside the fulcrum members (6a and 6b). Load is applied from the fulcrum members (4a and 4b) side, wherein fulcrum forces are caused to operate from the respective fulcrum members (4a, 4b, 6a and 6b) onto the semiconductor wafer (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curved-angle cleaving of optical fibers is presented. The method requires the introduction of a flaw in an optical fiber to be cleaved, and the application of predetermined stress and strain to the optical fiber in the vicinity of the flaw to cause curved-angle cleaving of the optical fiber at the flaw. More particularly, one embodiment of the method requires fixing first and second portions of the optical fiber, for example, by clamping, and introducing a flaw into the optical fiber between the first and second portions. Then, a substantially concentrated force is applied to the optical fiber between the flaw and the first portion of the optical fiber, on a side of the optical fiber opposite the flaw, in order to cause the optical fiber to cleave with a curved-angle cleave. Another embodiment of the method applies a substantially concentrated force to the fiber before introduction of the flaw.

Abstract: Apparatus to separate web parts from a continuous web and feed them in zig-zag fashion onto a stack. Arranged at the sides of stack are holding-down elements designed in the manner of a paddle. These holding-down elements are moved along an elliptical path in such a way that they execute a movement directed downwards and laterally outwards towards the sides of the stack. In this movement, they come into contact in the region of the folding locations with the material web parts, be they individual sheets or longer parts to be folded in a zigzag form and press the engaged region of the material web parts downwards and outwards towards the sides of the stack. In this way, a satisfactory fold is formed at the respectively correct location, even in the case of material web sections which have neither been prefolded nor provided with lines of weakness beforehand. Also, a process for forming web parts, feeding them to a stack, and pressing them down as described.

Abstract: A method for applying a controlled, adjustable strain and strain rate by use of a break wheel to break a frangible semiconductor wafer around previously placed scribe lines formed along a surface of the wafer. Several embodiments of a break wheel are disclosed. One embodiment uses a pair of spaced profiles engageable on opposite sides of a scribe line on the wafer. Another embodiment uses three laterally spaced contact profiles, the center profile having a smaller radius than that of the two flanking contact profiles. Another embodiment uses a complaint break wheel for applying a resilient breaking force to the wafer in a region straddling the scribe line. All embodiments are used with a tilted surface having a break edge with which the scribe line is aligned prior to the application of the breaking force. The tilted surface is adjustable to provide a variable maximum strain limit.

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

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a burster apparatus (44) for separating into sheets a continuous form (22) which has transverse weakened lines and which is arranged to be conveyed along a feed path (43) through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a movable burster rod (82) which extends across the feed path, and a clamp member (96) operable to clamp the continuous form (22) with a weakened line aligned with the path of movement of the burster rod. By means of cams (70) and link members (92), the rod (82) is arranged to be moved through the feed path (43) while the form (22) is clamped, the rod being inclined relative to the feed path. During this movement, the rod (82) progressively bursts the form (22) along the aligned weakened line from one edge of the form to the other, thereby effecting a reliable bursting of the form even if the weakened line is improperly formed.

Abstract: A combined separating, bursting and sorting apparatus for a continuous web of multi-forms having sheet divisions fixed by perforation lines, provided with a bursting device, a path of travel, and a sorting device consisting of a plurality of receptacles for separated and bursted sheets, said path of travel beginning at a plurality of plate-shaped infeed elements with connected, elongated, tensioned guide elements which extend substantially linearly to a deflection at a receptacle, which infeed elements for inserting a layer of the continuous web of multi-forms are capable of being deflected or swivelled away from each other and are combined to a packet by inserting thin distance plates in the side edge regions on both sides of the path of travel and the guide function of a guide element receding at the point of deflection is taken over by a guide plate which extends to the next deflection and follows same, and adjoins the path of travel on one side, the other side of which is formed by belt conveyor means or

Abstract: A prescored ceramic substrate plate is broken along each of a plurality of parallel, uniformily-spaced transverse score lines scribed therein by moving the plate, scored side up, along a guide rail and over a break edge into the lower arc of a resilient break roller which is free to rotate. First and second idler rollers apply pressure to the remaining portion of the plate as the plate is being moved. The break roller is canted in the X-axis at a predetermined angle with respect to the break edge for applying a graduated downward pressure onto the plate against the break edge. This angled orientation of the break roller to the break edge sequentially causes the plate to fracture incrementally along each score line as that portion of the plate located at the previously adjacent score line moves into the break roller.

Abstract: Automatic cracking apparatus for cracking a glass plate along score lines extending across the plate. The apparatus has a vertically inclined main breaking roller where the top of the lower axial end of the roller is even with a feed conveyor and has an edge breaking roller for engaging an edge of the plate and the top of which lies above the highest point of the main breaking roller.

Abstract: An improved machine and apparatus are disclosed for assisting in decollating or separating the separable parts of a multi-part, carbonless, manifold, continuous web business forms assembly having integral "locks" incorporated therein that are utilized to hold the parts of the continuous web business forms assembly in alignment when the continuous web business forms assembly is used on high speed printing device. The improved machine has a plurality of decollating stations arranged in series, and each station includes a refold roller. The part of the continuous web business forms assembly being separated at a decollating station passes about and contacts the refold roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method wherein seedlings, raised in a paper cylinder assembly connected together by means of connecting portions having a separating line forming the separation course in each are continuously pulled out while separating the cylinder one by one and planting them in the field. In the separation of seedling cylinders, a transplanter is provided with rolls for pulling out continuous seedling cylinders and other rolls for separating the pulled out seedling cylinders into individual seedling cylinders. The latter has a faster rotating speed than that of the former and has a cone-like shape or is mounted so as to incline with respect to the former, thereby separating paper cylinders into individual pot bodies at the connecting portions, one by one, while moving the separation acting points progressively. The separating-line in each connecting portion has an unjoined separation-guiding-portion extending from one end to 20-70% of the height of the connecting portion.

Abstract: A burster mechanism for separating continuous form webs into sheets along transverse pre-weakened lines comprising two sets of feeding means spaced along a curved web path so that one set of rolls is at an angle to the other. A curved guide member which extends between the two feeding means defines the outer curvature of the web path. The second feeding means is operable at a faster rate than the first feeding means and is actuated at a predetermined time to draw the web taut between the feeding means and separate the sheet from the web.

Abstract: A burster mechanism for separating continuous form webs into sheets along transverse pre-weakened lines comprising two sets of feeding means spaced along a curved web path so that one set of rolls is at an angle to the other. A curved guide member which extends between the two feeding means defines the outer curvature of the web path. The second feeding means is operable at a faster rate than the first feeding means and is actuated at a predetermined time to draw the web taut between the feeding means and separate the sheet from the web.

Abstract: A method of breaking a rod of brittle material, such as a glass optical fiber, so as to yield a mirrorlike surface across the entire rod end is described. This is achieved by establishing a decreasing tensile stress across the cross section of the rod which, at all points, is greater than zero but less than the threshold stress at which a mist zone forms. This is conveniently achieved by simultaneously applying longitudinal tension to the rod and bending it. A convenient hand tool for breaking optical fibers is also described.