Abstract: The invention is specifically concerned with an improvement in the process of manufacturing reinforced materials. The reinforced materials are conceived to include a wide variety of materials, the most notable being high density compressed gaskets. The improvement comprises mixing a cut solid (generally a cut fiber) with a body material to produce the reinforced materials. The solid is cut into particulates of highly variable size, the range in the size of the particulates being adjusted to optimize the characteristics of the resulting reinforced material. The cut solid is produced utilizing comminuting machines previously used for the recycle of waste products.

Abstract: An apparatus and improved method for transversely cutting strips of deformable material with a rotating cutting blade which is moved generally transversely across the strip at a predetermined rake angle and bevel angle. A vacuum applied to certain chambers of a platen draws the strip firmly against a supporting structure at two locations on opposite sides of a cutting line during the cut cycle. A lubricant is sprayed through nozzles onto the blade as it cuts the strip and blow-off nozzles remove excess lubricant during the cut and return cycles of the blade to prevent contamination of the cut strip edges. A release bar assists in disengaging the strip from the platen after the strip is cut. Grippers remove the cut strip and then an input conveyor advances the remaining strip toward the cutting line where the grippers pull the strip forward to a predetermined position for the next cut cycle.

Abstract: In a hydraulic food cutting apparatus having mixing tank 13, food pump 14, converging tube segment 11 for accelerating and aligning food product to be cut, deceleration loop 18 and separating means 20 a method and means for reducing turbulent flow of cut food product 19 and carrier fluid which is either a converging cutter blade assembly 10, having the same angle of convergence and serving as an extension of converging tube segment 11, or in the event a standard in line cutter blade assembly 21 is used, then a second converging tube segment 22 attached to the discharge of the in line cutter blade assembly 21 for reaccelerating the carrier fluid and cut food product 19 as it exits the cutter blade assembly 21, in order to induce improved laminar flow of the carrier fluid and to reduce tumbling of the cut food product 19.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a stack of knitted fabric panels for subsequent cutting. It consists in spreading the knitted panels under extension over the needles of a needle table, covering the formed stack over with a sheet of material impervious to air, creating a reduced pressure inside the stack by sucking in the air contained between the table and the sheet, retracting the needles from the stack and proceeding to the cutting while keeping up the suction throughout the cutting operation.The needle table comprises a table top perforated with holes, a movable support on which are fixed the needles and a tight box containing the movable support and equipped with suction means.

Abstract: A bed for supporting sheet material to be cut or otherwise worked on is made of a densely packed array of relatively short, stiff bristles with pointed upper ends which penetrate the sheet material to inhibit it from moving laterally relative to the bed. Vacuum may be used in the space containing the bristles to aid in holding the sheet material to the bed and to normalize the holding effect of the bristles with respect to different sheet materials. Pressurized air may also be used in the bristle space to aid in removing cut sheet material from the bed and the bristles are shaped to facilitate such removal. Various different cutters are useable with the bed to provide a complete sheet material cutting machine.

Abstract: A method for obtaining strips from a material, particularly a latex coagulum, is characterized by raising the material with a fluid via a solid piece arranged below the material and placed directly in contact with the material, and cutting the material into strips above the solid piece by the use of cutting means.The invention also concerns apparatus for carrying out this method, as well as the strips obtained by this method or with the apparatus.

Abstract: To divide a unit of cheese, such as a wheel or block of cheese, into individual pieces of different sizes and shapes, the unit of cheese is placed on a support surface and is moved relative to a cutting device. The cutting device is made up of a network of knife-like blades each with a cutting edge and the blades are arranged to divide the unit of cheese into the desired shaped pieces. The entire unit of cheese is cut up into the individual pieces in a single cutting operation. In the cutting operation, the unit of cheese is placed on a support part movable relative to the cutting device. The support part is subdivided into surface parts each having a shape corresponding to the shape of one of the individual pieces of cheese. the support part is movably mounted on upwardly extending guide elements. The cutting device is held in a stationary position on the guide elements. The support part and the cutting device are replaceably mounted on the guide elements.

Abstract: A food slicing method and apparatus includes blades mounted on a shaft for rotation therewith, the blades successively converging and diverging to slice the food pieces as the shaft rotates. An inlet flume conveys the food pieces to and through the rotating blades. A flighted conveyor within the flume submerges the food pieces at the flume inlet and releases them at the bottom of the flume to float upward, oriented according to their buoyancy before entering the blades. In one embodiment, the blades are mounted on a curved shaft which rotates about a longitudinal axis of symmetry to cause the blades to converge on the inward side of the shaft and diverge on the outward side. The blades engage a synchronously counterrotating drum to slice the food pieces as they enter on the inward side of the shaft. As the blades diverge, the majority of the slices fall free of the blades.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for protecting a substrate surface from particulate contaminants in a process using a working tool in conjunction with a working fluid, by employing as the working fluid a solution of a soluble polymer such as polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining sheets from a flexible material, particularly a latex coagulum, is characterized by the following features:(a) the material is floated in a fluid so that a part of the material emerges above the fluid;(b) a depression is produced on a portion of the emerged part by the use of depressing means;(c) sheets are cut off from the depressed portion by the use of cutting means; and(d) the thickness of the sheets is adjusted by varying the difference in height between the level of the depressing means and the level of the cutting means in the depressed portion.

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

Abstract: An "easy open" feature for a sealed flexible pouch and method and apparatus for accurately positioning said feature in the sealed border region of said flexible pouch. The feature comprises a stress concentrating aperture exhibiting a strong tendency to initiate a directional tear while maintaining integrity of the sealed pouch until an opening force is applied. In a preferred embodiment the pouches are cut from a moving web by a rotary shear cutter while a web punching means operatively connected with each cutter blade is engaged in the moving web. Because the web undergoes no movement relative to the cutting means or the punching means until both operations have been completed, the aperture is precisely positioned with respect to the severed edge of the pouch. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sealed edge of the pouch is subjected to a high level of tension and is unsupported in the area of contact with the punching means during the aperturing operation.

Abstract: A flower stem cutter for an individual flower includes a liquid filled jar having a cover releasably attached. The liquid includes any antibacterial agent and feed. A flower stem guide is secured to a diametrical slot in the cover and projects inwardly into the liquid. The guide is triangular U-shaped unit defining a base wall in spaced relation to the opposite jar wall. The vertical edge of the guide sidewall projects inwardly. A guillotine cutting unit includes a cutting support blade secured to the lower inner end of the guide and a guillotine blade secured to a shaft journaled in the cover, with the guillotine blade abutting the edges of the U-shaped guide. The guillotine blade is resiliently supported on a shaft journaled in the cover for movement past the support blade to sever the stem under the protective liquid. The shaft is manually operated or connected to a small solenoid on the top of the cover.

Abstract: A label cut-off machine for removing a label sewn to a workpiece. The machine includes a label chamber sized to received the label through an access slot in one wall of that chamber. The access slot is defined by a reciprocable cutter bar and an anvil, the cutter bar and anvil presenting abutment faces which cooperate with the workpiece to allow positioning of the label's stitch line closely adjacent the cutter bar's cutting edge when the label is inserted into the label chamber. Operation of the cutter bar is controlled by the machine's operator. A vacuum source connected with the label chamber establishes a continuous vacuum in the chamber, the vacuum source cooperating to draw the label initially into the chamber through the access slot and to aid in locating the label stitch line initially adjacent the cutter bar's cutting edge, and the vacuum source also cooperating to remove the label from the label chamber after it has been cut off from the workpiece by the cutter bar.

Abstract: A grinding and cutting process and articles employing an effective amount of a grinding aid, typical of which is sodium nitrite which, when applied to the abradant or cutting edge of a tool, accelerates the modification of a metal workpiece and prolongs the useful life of the tool. The grinding aids of this invention are compounds free of sulfur and/or halogen and having a melting point in the range of 70.degree. F. to 1000.degree. F., a decomposition temperature at least 100.degree. F. above the melting temperature and a latent heat of melting greater than 10 cal/gm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting sheet material utilizes a closed loop automatically controlled cutting machine having a reciprocating cutting blade as the cutting tool. Sheet material to be cut is spread in multiple plies to form a layup, and the cutting blade and the material are then moved relative to one another in cutting engagement along predefined lines of cut. During cutting, a sensor detects a cutting parameter that is affected by the interaction of the cutting blade and sheet material, and signals provided by the sensor are fed back in the closed loop automatic control mechanism to adjust or initiate further steps in the cutting operation. Such adjustment or initiation alters the cutting machine operation for cutting conditions in real time in order to improve the overall performance of the machine.

Abstract: A method for cutting sheet material utilizes a closed loop automatically controlled cutting machine having a reciprocating cutting blade as the cutting tool. Sheet material to be cut is spread in multiple plies to form a layup, and the cutting blade and the material are then moved relative to one another in cutting engagement along predefined lines of cut. During cutting, a sensor detects a cutting parameter that is affected by the interaction of the cutting blade and sheet material, and signals provided by the sensor are fed back in the closed loop automatic control mechanism to adjust or initiate further steps in the cutting operation. Such adjustment or initiation alters the cutting machine operation for cutting conditions in real time in order to improve the overall performance of the machine.

Abstract: A method of shaving hair from the human body with a razor wherein the skin area after washing is wet with water and the edge of the razor is wet with a water repellant organopolysiloxane fluid such as dimethyl polysiloxane.

Abstract: Whole (unsliced) fruit or vegetable product is introduced into a chamber wherein an enzyme inactivating environment has been established and which is maintained by a constant flow of a hot dry inert gas. The product is sliced by hot knives into small pieces in the chamber. The sliced fruit or vegetable product is maintained in such environment long enough to completely inactivate the enzymes and then is introduced into a pulper-finisher to macerate the product and separate the puree from the peel and fiber.

Abstract: A process for perforating plastic tubes, in particular thin-walled corrugated tubes, by a punching or cutting operation wherein the plastic tubes are subjected to a direct or indirect treatment by a cooling fluid prior to the punching and cutting operation. The process is performed by an apparatus comprising a guide structure and conveying device for conveying the plastic tubes, and further comprising punching or cutting members, while spraying devices are provided for effecting the above-mentioned cooling treatment.

Abstract: A grinding and cutting process and articles employing an effective amount of a grinding aid, typical of which is sodium nitrite which, when applied to the abradant or cutting edge of a tool, accelerates the modification of a metal workpiece and prolongs the useful life of the tool. The grinding aids of this invention are compounds free of sulfur and/or halogen and having a melting point in the range of 70.degree. F. to 1000.degree. F., a decomposition temperature at least 100.degree. F. above the melting temperature and a latent heat of melting greater than 10 cal/gm.

Abstract: Sheet glass is held for cutting with multiple rotary blades by freezing to a supporting base plate with a liquid, preferably water. The same liquid at a temperature just above freezing temperature is used to cool the blades during cutting, and forms a frozen scale which protects the glass and prevents chipping. After cutting, the liquid is allowed to thaw and releases the pieces without damage or need of special cleaning.

Abstract: A cutting fluid is disclosed comprising one or more halogenated hydrocarbons dissolved in one or more paraffin, naphtha, or aromatic solvents. Use of the cutting fluid produces a glass edge with increased edge strength compared with a cut edge produced by dry scoring. The cutting fluid is completely evaporative, leaving no residue, thus eliminating the need for washing. Further, use of the cutting fluid extends the useful life of the cutting tool. Blends are formulated to meet specific evaporation rates required by variations in wareroom equipment and practices.

Abstract: In the production of electric stack or layer capacitors, which capacitors are produced, in part, by sawing through a mother capacitor, a polyolefin layer is placed on the mother capacitor prior to cutting in order to provide lubrication during cutting and in order to improve the insulation at the cutting edges. The invention is advantageously employed in the production of layer capacitors having polyethylene terephthalate layers as the dielectric.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting apparatus comprising a tuning fork or U-shaped flexural member having legs on which cutting means are mounted, and an ultrasonic drive connected to the flexural member for inducing ultrasonic vibrations in the flexural member. Also disclosed herein is an ultrasonic drive member having a "folded over" resonant holder, and a piezoelectric crystal compressively mounted in the holder by coupling means for transmitting the ultrasonic excitation from the drive to the flexural member.

Abstract: A method of increasing the resistance of delicate, elongated objects made of polymeric compositions, to fracturing, shattering, and splintering during application of stress forces during cutting, shearing or grinding, thereby permitting the formation of shorter finished objects with appropriately and smoothly contured ends from a long stock object. Differently stated, the present invention relates to a method of preparing an elongated, rod-like object composed of several plastic, polymeric compositions, having channels formed therein and extending longitudinally thereof, for subsequent cutting of such long object into short lengths with desirably shaped end surfaces.

Abstract: This invention contemplates a method and apparatus for taking fine metal fibers having a diameter range from .5 microns to approximately 150 microns and cutting the fibers into precise short lengths. The method and apparatus utilized first moistening tows of metal fibers, unwinding the tows from spools and positioning them into tow bands, stiffening the ribbon made from the tow bands, and cutting the fibers to desired precise lengths in order to prevent cold welding or deformation of the ends of the fibers during the cutting operation. Materials that may be used for stiffening the fibers include starch, PVA, ice, etc.

Abstract: A method of shaving which comprises the steps of rubbing the wet skin surface with a solid mass of a solvent-free, selected water soluble, high molecular weight polymer and thereafter, passing a blade-type razor over the skin to shave off unwanted hair.

Abstract: A shaving lubricant which consists essentially of approximately 3 parts by volume of distilled white vinegar and approximately one part of citrus fruit juice. In an optimum form, the fruit juice is approximately one-half lemon juice and one-half lime juice and approximately 100 International units of vitamin E are dissolved in approximately four liquid ounces of the liquid mixture. A method of shaving wherein the area to be shaved is lathered, a sharpened edge of a razor blade is liberally sprayed with the lubricant, and the sprayed blade edge is used to shave the lathered area, respraying the blade edge after each removal of lather therefrom.