Abstract: A counter-die apparatus includes a plurality of recesses disposed thereon, wherein the recesses are adapted to be disposed and aligned with blades of a cutting die, such that the recesses create uncut portions on an underside of a paperboard material as cut by a cutting die in a die converting process.

Abstract: A microtome method and apparatus includes a microtome blade configured to oscillate in a direction transverse to a direction of advancing a cut, and a first flexure to support and guide the blade. The first flexure is compliant in the transverse direction while being stiff in the cut direction. A second flexure operatively engaged at one end portion with the first flexure, is stiff in the transverse direction while being compliant in the cut direction. The other end portion of the second flexure is rotatably engaged by an eccentric driven by a rotatable actuator, which oscillates the blade in the transverse direction while effectively isolating non-transverse motion from the blade. The second flexure is configured to move independently of any guides or other stationary objects during oscillation.

Abstract: A sheet having two opposing sides and a fiber orientation, comprising: a first section on one side of the sheet; and a second section on another the other side of the sheet and substantially parallel to the first section, wherein the sections are not transverse to the fiber orientation of the sheet, and wherein the sections are dimensioned and arranged so that respective separation lines and separation regions formed on the respective sides of the sheet when the sheet is torn result in a homogeneous outlook where respective separation regions are hidden from view.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a punching method using a punch, which makes it possible to effectively improve the durability of a tooth portion of the punch. In a punching method using a punch for forming a through-hole in a workpiece by punching the workpiece using a punch, at least a tooth portion of the punch is made substantially solid when the workpiece is punched by the punch, and the tooth portion is made substantially hollow, thereby a diameter of the tooth portion is reduced by a reaction force received from the workpiece, when the workpiece is separated from the punch after the punching of the workpiece.

Abstract: Metrology data associated with a plurality of workpieces processed at a selected operation in the process flow including a plurality of operations is retrieved. A processing context associated with each of the workpieces is determined. The processing context identifies at least one previous tool used to perform an operation on the associated workpiece prior to the selected operation. A plurality of performance metrics is determined for a plurality of tools capable of performing the selected operation based on the metrology data. Each performance metric is associated with a particular tool and a particular processing context. A set of the performance metrics is identified for the plurality of tools having a processing context matching a processing context of a selected workpiece awaiting performance of the selected operation. The selected workpiece is dispatched for processing in a selected one of the plurality of tools based on the set of performance metrics.

Abstract: A plate workpiece processing method includes utilizing one or more cutting devices of a machine tool to perform first and second cutting operations on a plate workpiece. During the first cutting operation, the workpiece is moved relative to cutting device(s) used for the first cutting operation, at least two cut-outs are partially formed in the workpiece with only a common residual connection left that jointly connects the partially formed cut-outs to a remaining portion of the workpiece and that is shortened along one or more cutting lines of the second cutting operation to a size that is larger than a working area of the cutting device(s) used for the second cutting operation. During the second cutting operation, the workpiece is maintained stationary supported by the machine tool, the shortened common residual connection is severed along the cutting line(s) to completely separate the cut-outs from the remaining portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for splitting tablets includes positioning a plurality of tablets onto a supporting structure. Each of the plurality of tablets are then substantially simultaneously split into at least two parts. Finally, if desired, the at least two parts of each tablet are dispensed into a compartment of a corresponding one of a plurality of first capsule portions.

Abstract: This is a method to create 3-dimensional images from a 2-dimensional image. This Method utilizes various pieces of paper produced within the process and a method of attachment all together with layering and spacing in 3-dimensions to create a final piece of artwork which is 3-dimensional. Among other uses the end product of this method can be used as a free standing work of art which can be matted and framed and placed either hanging or attached to a wall or other surface or placed on an easel or other tripod mechanism for free standing on a table or floor or other surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a backing layer for an ultrasonic matrix array transducer useful in medical imaging and the like. A conductive grid is provided which includes a plurality of micro-contacts each joined together by a common base so that spaces are provided between the free ends of the contacts. A mold for the grid is filled with an acoustically absorbent material such that the absorbent material fills the spaces between the contacts, so as to produce a block when cured. The common base is removed so as to separate the contacts from one another within the block. Further machining exposes the opposite ends of micro-contacts so that a like number of contact faces or pads are provided at opposed surfaces of the backing layer. Improved transducer constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic circuit for an electrical machine, the method comprising: using a cutting station to cut out at least one strip of sectors that are interconnected by deformable connections; and using a winding station to wind the strip of sectors around a mandrel; wherein, between the cutting station and the winding station, there is a zone configured to enable the strip to deform so as to compensate for a difference in speed between a speed of the strip at an outlet from the cutting station and its speed at an inlet to the winding station.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for coupling a replacement micro-actuator to a drive arm suspension after a micro-actuator, such as a defective micro-actuator, has been detached from the suspension.

Abstract: An improved method of integrally attaching a heat sink to an IC package for enhancing the thermal conductivity of the package. A heat sink matrix, which is dividable into a plurality of individual heat sinks, is attached to an IC package matrix, which is comprised of a plurality of individual IC packages abutting each other in a matrix arrangement. The IC package matrix and the heat sink matrix attached thereto are then simultaneously cut by means of a machine tool into a plurality of individually formed IC packages each with a heat sink attached; thereby, thermal conductivity of a conventional IC package is enhanced.

Abstract: A method for producing transducers having a 1-3 composite structure. The transducer element includes a plurality of thin piezoceramic wafers which are electroded on opposing major surfaces. The spaced wafers are separated by a passive polymer layer in a composite structure and the electrodes on the opposing major surfaces are connected to different ones of top and bottom electrode surfaces.

Abstract: A double-lanced suspension for use in progressive-die forming methods. The suspension is characterized by a rim section of lesser expanse between pairs of connecting tabs than is used in the prior double-lanced suspension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a plurality of friction plates obtained by adhering friction members to substantially annular core plates, comprising the steps of simultaneously stamping a plurality of coaxial core plates having different diameters with remaining joint portions therebetween, simultaneously stamping a plurality of substantially annular and coaxial friction members having different diameters corresponding to the core plates and with remaining joint portions therebetween to permit adhesion to the core plates, and stamping the joint portions of the friction members and the core plates when or after the friction members are adhered to the core plates.

Abstract: A three hole punch system is for use in an image capturing device. The three hole punch system uses elastomeric rollers that punch holes in the edge of a sheet as it passes between two rollers. If desired, the rollers can act as a transport for the sheet without punching holes in the sheet. After the holes are punched, the resultant slugs are pushed back into the holes and the sheet is retrieved by the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating cut portions from a sheet material such as paper or cardboard, and method thereof. The separation process is performed by using an air suction force to separate (from a sheet) a cut blanking portion and a rim portion having predetermined shapes. In one aspect, an apparatus comprises a pair of dispensers which receive a sheet therebetween between a pair of dispensers, approaches the pair of dispensers each other, absorbs a blanking portion with a first dispenser and a rim portion with a second dispenser, detaches the first and second dispensers each other, moves the first or second dispenser at a predetermined position, and releases the blanking portion and rim portion from the first and second dispensers, respectively. Thereby, the blanking portion and the rim portion can be readily separated and piled uniformly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing an access door assembly for providing entry to a crawl space or other storage area within a building is disclosed. The present access door assembly is constructed from a single blank of material by accurately cutting a door panel from the blank and simultaneously creating a peripheral frame wherein the door panel is mounted. The kerf resulting from the cutting process provides a predetermined clearance between the door panel and peripheral frame to permit installation of hinges and latching hardware to ensure proper functioning of the completed door assembly. The method of the present invention significantly reduces the labor costs involved in installing an access door by the conventional process, which requires sizing of a door to a preexisting opening, mortising hinges, and mitering and fitting a finished molding about the access door.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for singulating semiconductor devices (21) is provided. This approach eliminates the need for an adhesive tape. A fixture (10) is provided to hold the joined semiconductor devices. The fixture has grooves (14 and 18) to accommodate a saw blade (35). The saw makes a cut in two directions thereby separating or singulating the semiconductor devices. Bars (24) are placed across the semiconductor devices when sawing in the second direction to hold the semiconductor devices in the holding fixture. A pick and place machine can then be used to remove the singulated semiconductor devices from the holding fixture.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing holes in the circumference of a hollow shape, with a wall piece being separated as a slug from the hollow shape in an internal high-pressure mold and being jammed without projecting relative to the outer circumference of the hollow shape in a previously produced hole. In order to remove the slug produced during punching in simple fashion from the internal high-pressure mold, the separated slug is jammed at a fluid pressure that is reduced relative to an internal high fluid pressure without loss via a punch and can separate the slug following removal of the finished hollow shape from the internal high-pressure mold, from the hollow shape, finally clearing the hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a laminated product in which the deformation of a base element and the squeeze-out of a viscoelastic element from the periphery of the base element can be eliminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing tissue samples for subsequent slicing in a microtone, utilizing a thermally transmissive body and removable mold heads to facilitate encapsulation of tissue samples in a gelatinous substance so that the samples may be selectively oriented for proper slicing in the microtone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stamping a strip of material to prevent slug "back out" is disclosed. The stamping machine has a punch which moves through a first stroke and a second stroke. A slug receiving opening is provided in the die. The punch is moved during the first stroke into engagement with the strip of material. A slug is punched from the strip of material to form an opening therein. The punch is then moved through a second stroke, in which the punch is moved through the opening in the strip of material. As this occurs, the punch forces a volume of gas ahead of the punch, so that the volume of gas cooperates with the slug to force the slug into the slug receiving opening.

Abstract: The process for the production of a thermoelectrically weldable zone in thermoplastic materials is significantly improved by the true-to-size, air-free embedding of the heating conductor at a clearly defined depth below the joining surface. For this purpose in a first process step a sublevel wire bed bottom is cut in the material, in which is cut a substantially inverted T-shaped incision, running in two planes and at the desired depth, measured from the material surface and, following the surface profile, the cut is passed along the heating conductor insertion line. Using the same tool the cover strips formed are raised and stretched along the path of cut, so that an open channel is formed with the sublevel wire bed bottom. Preferably in the same operation the wire bed is also cut true-to-size with a cutting tool and corresponding to the heating conductor. In a later process step the heating conductor is placed through the still open channel, the cover strips are pressed and then melted.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting an advancing strip of photographic paper into prints of different size along and across the strip. The apparatus includes devices that cut perpendicular to the edges of the strip upstream of devices that cut parallel with the edges of the strip. Other devices secure the paper in position while it is being cut.

Abstract: Elongated thin strip stock is blanked to form interlocking laminas for electric motor or generator rotors or stators at successive blanking stations. The laminas are blanked at one station and pushed back into the strip stock to be carried to a final station where the laminas are stacked and pressed into interlocking relationship. The laminas are rotated relative to one another to compensate for thickness variations.

Abstract: In blanking a metal foil on a press comprising a pair of dies, a pair of punches, and a pair of piezoelectric actuators for driving the punches with are all arranged above and below the metal foil, the punches are vertically vibrated by the piezoelectric actuators, so that, while the punches being held abutted against both surfaces of the metal foil clamped between the dies, a half blanking operation and a reverse blanking operation are carried out alternately, whereby the metal foil is cut along the shearing surface through low cyclic fatigue without formation of burrs.

Abstract: A a lid for sealing a container. The lid adheres to the container by no more than a vacuum formed within the container. The lid is formed of a substantially circular panel having a flanged perimeter and a concave depression on an upper side of the circular panel. A pressure release hole extends through the concave depression of the circular panel and sanitary varnish is disposed on a lower side of the circular panel. A first adhesive material is applied to the lower side of the lid by fusion to the sanitary varnish to form a thin film over the release hole, and a second adhesive material is disposed in the concave depression on the upper side of the lid to form a removable seal. The second adhesive material has the same properties as the first adhesive material.

Abstract: A punch press, of the type capable of producing a piece from a sheet of material, the piece being attached to the sheet by a tab, is provided with a separation assembly that fits into a standard tool station. The invention provides for parting of the piece from the sheet, and automatic transport of the parted piece to a position overlying a hinged drop door provided as part of a removal assembly. The invention eliminates the need for manual parting and removal of the piece from the punch press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming planar parts (WA) by progressively punching out the shape of the part (WA) from a piece of sheet material (W) in which the part (WA) is automatically removed from the remaining sheet material (W), by a hinged trap door section (37) in a work supporting table (33), one end lowered to form a chute. The punching process is carried out primarily in a first punching station (A), where punch and die set magazines (18, 19) may be mounted, but connecting sections (WC) are left to be removed in a second punching station (B) where the trap door section (37) is located. The separated parts (WC) are deposited on a conveyor system (36) located beneath the table 33, and detector unit (59, 61) enables shut down of the press if a part fails to move after each punching operation.

Abstract: A method of producing concentric knockouts on a planar portion of sheet metal to be formed into an equipment housing. The sheet metal is successively positioned with respect to punch sets of increasing diameter and knockout portions of increasing size are sequentially cut, but for retaining anchors, to surround previously cut portions. Successive knockout portions are cut by punches moving in opposing directions. The punch sets comprise a cutting punch and an embedding punch. The cutting punch cuts and displaces the knockout in a first direction and the embedding punch of the same punch set moves in an opposite direction to at least partially restore the cut and displaced portion within the surrounding portions of the sheet metal.