Abstract: A rotary molding system configured to mold food products includes a fill plate through which food product is configured to pass, a cylindrical rotatable drum having mold cavities into which the food product is configured to be deposited, and a platen mounted within the drum. The platen has a plurality of passageways configured to be in communication with the mold cavities. Drum roller supports and rollers are provided on the platen. The extends partially outwardly from the platen and are in contact with the drum.

Abstract: A dispatch system and a dispatch method for manufacturing mold are provided. The dispatch system includes a control unit, a mold material storage unit, a processing cutter storage unit, an object pick-and-place and transfer unit, a mold processing unit and a mold product storage unit. The mold material storage unit includes many unprocessed mold materials. The processing cutter storage unit includes many processing cutters. The object pick-and-place and transfer unit is electrically connected to the control unit and disposed between the mold material storage unit and the processing cutter storage unit. One of the unprocessed mold materials and one of the processing cutters are transferred to the mold processing unit by the object pick-and-place and transfer unit, the unprocessed mold material is processed to form a mold product by the mold processing unit, and the mold product is transferred to the mold product storage unit.

Abstract: A method of programming an industrial robot includes: providing the robot, the robot having a robot arm with an end-effector mounted thereto which is controlled by a robot control unit to manipulate a workpiece which is arranged in a workplace of the robot; associating a target coordinate system with the workplace; taking an image of the workplace and the workpiece by an image capturing device; transmitting the image to a computing device having a human-machine-interface to generate control code for controlling the robot, which is transmitted to the robot control unit; capturing an image of the workplace and the workpiece to be manipulated by the robot; transferring the captured image to the computing device and displaying the captured image on a display associated with the computing device; and displaying the workpiece on the display; marking the workpiece with a marker-object on the display.

Abstract: Periosteum harvesting and processing systems and methods enable rapid, efficient, and repeatable harvesting of periosteum tissue from human long bones and processing of the tissue into individual fibers for use in strengthening surgical allograft products. One harvesting and processing method involves providing a human long bone, securing the long bone between two rotating live centers, scraping, using one of a plurality of harvesting tools selected from a harvesting and processing kit, periosteum tissue from the long bone, executing a first wash cycle comprising a hydrogen peroxide wash, executing a second wash cycle comprising an isopropyl alcohol wash, executing a third wash cycle comprising a phosphate buffered saline wash, compressing the periosteum tissue to remove excess fluid, cryofracturing the tissue until a desired fiber size is achieved, and separating the periosteum tissue into individual periosteum fibers having the desired fiber size. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool installation aid for installing a tool into a press includes a holding console attachable to a press, and a tool-changing plate in or on which a tool is attachable, wherein the tool-changing plate can be placed onto a receiving element of the holding console, a drive device, drivable by a motor or manually, is disposed in the tool-changing plate and by way of which the tool-changing plate is displaceable on the receiving element in the direction toward the press to be transferred from the receiving element onto the clamping plate of the press, the drive device includes at least one driven first drive element, and the receiving element includes at least one non-driven second drive element, the first and second drive elements being operatively connected for displacing the tool-changing plate.

Abstract: Provided is an automated method for trimming a multi-ply structure having at least a first ply and a second ply, where the method includes applying the first ply over a platen, positioning a cutting board over a protected portion of the first ply, applying the second ply over the platen such that the cutting board is between the protected portion of the first ply and a superjacent portion of the second ply, and cutting the superjacent portion of the second ply.

Abstract: A printing device includes: a pair of conveyer rollers for nipping a printing medium at a nipping position and conveying the printing medium in a conveying direction; a cutter unit positioned downstream of the conveyer rollers; a discharge tray positioned downstream of and below the cutter unit; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: (a) cutting the printing medium by the cutter unit into first and second printing mediums; and (b) discharging the second conveying medium on top of the first printing medium on the discharge tray. The discharge tray is positioned to satisfy a formula of H1>4×10?7×D14, where H1 represents a distance in a gravitational direction between the nipping position and a mounting surface of the discharge tray; and D1 represents a distance in the conveying direction between the nipping position and a downstream end of the cutter unit.

Abstract: A cutting device, including a rotating body, a first link member, a second link member, a placement part, and a movable blade holder, is provided. The first link member is swingable according to sliding movement of a first groove cam in the rotating body with respect to a first pin in the first link member. The second link member is swingable according to sliding movement of a second pin in the first link member with respect to a second groove cam in the second link member. The movable blade holder is swingable according to sliding movement of a third pin in the second link member with respect to a third groove cam in the movable blade holder between a cutting position, at which a printing medium is nipped to be cut between a movable blade and the placement part, and a retracted position retracted from the cutting position.

Abstract: A cutting device, including a rotating body, a first link member, a second link member, a placement part, and a movable blade holder, is provided. The first link member swings according to rotation of the rotating body, and the second link member swings according to swing movement of the first link member. The movable blade holder swings according to swing movement of the second link member and includes a basal end portion, a distal end portion, and an attachment portion, on which a movable blade to cut a printing medium is attached. The movable blade holder is configured to swing between a cutting position, at which the printing medium is nipped between the movable blade and the placement part to be cut by the movable blade, and a retracted position retracted from the cutting position.

Abstract: A cutting device, including a rotating body, a first link member, a second link member, a placement part, and a movable blade holder, is provided. The first link member is swingable by rotation the rotating body. The second link member is swingable by the movement of the first link member. The movable blade holder is swingable by the movement of the second link member between a cutting position and a retracted position. The rotating body is located sideward from a basal end portion of the movable blade holder, the motor is located sideward from a center of the placement part, a swing axis of the second link member is located sideward from the second end of the placement part, and the first link member is located between the second link member and the rotating body, sideward from the center of the placement part, in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring sections from a sample block to a tape and for transferring select sections to a slide. A tissue storage system for storing cut sections on the tape and digital storage system for storing photos and other information during the transfer of the sections can also be provided, thereby creating a tissue repository and data repository for future use.

Abstract: It is intended in an apparatus for successively making plastic bags that a plastic film 1 is cut by a Thomson blade 3 without making the Thomson blade 3 pressed with a large force. The Thomson blade 3 is brought into contact with the plastic film 1 on one of opposite sides of the plastic film 1 in a direction of thickness thereof while a rolling member 4 is brought into contact with the plastic film 1 and rolled and moved along the plastic film 1 and the Thomson blade 3 on the other side of the plastic film 1 in the direction of thickness thereof. The plastic film 1 is therefore sandwiched between and cut by the Thomson blade 3 and the rolling member 4 to successively make plastic bags.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is disclosed and which includes a cutter knife which is reciprocally moveable along a path of travel, a track member mounted adjacent to the cutter knife, and which mechanically cooperates with the cutter knife so as to define, at least in part, a first non-cutting position, and the second, cutting position for the cutter knife, and a magnet mounted on the track member and which releasably magnetically restrains the cutter knife when the cutter knife is in either of the first non-cutting position, or the second, cutting position.

Abstract: A cutting tool assembly for a tire cutting apparatus features a tool holder and one or more cutting members removably installed on the tool holder to form at least one cutting feature thereon proximate a first end of the tool holder for cutting the tire by forcing of said first end of the tool holder toward the crown of the tire by an actuator during driven rotation of the tire. Each cutting member comprising a wear material of greater hardness than the tool holder. The softer, less brittle material of the tool holder withstands the stresses imposed on the assembly during cutting the steel and rubber composition of the tire, while the harder material of the replaceable cutting member provides better wear resistance at the cutting features.

Abstract: A sheet cutting device to cut a sheet conveyed through a conveyance path to a predetermined length, including a cutter casing movable in a sheet width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction while retracted from the sheet conveyance path after cutting of the sheet, a movable member separate from the cutter casing in the sheet conveyance direction and movable in the sheet width direction, a connection member to connect the cutter casing and the movable member, and a restriction unit to transform a state of the cutter casing between a displacement restriction state in which displacement of the cutter casing is restricted during the cutting of the sheet and a released state in which the restriction of displacement of the cutter casing is released while the cutter casing is retracted from the sheet conveyance path.

Abstract: A tool and a method are disclosed for cutting coils in a dynamoelectric machine. In an embodiment, the tool includes a blade having a cutting edge on a distal end thereof. The blade is operably connected on a proximal end thereof to a double acting hydraulic cylinder. The tool further includes at least one guide arm coupled to and extending longitudinally in a distal direction from the double acting hydraulic cylinder, wherein the at least one guide arm is disposed alongside the blade and extends parallel to a path of the blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a punching and/or welding machine for acting on a piece of motor vehicle bodywork that is made of plastics material, the machine having movable punching and/or welding tools, each of which is adjusted to perform a punching and/or welding operation and that are transferred from a waiting position to a working position for performing the punching and/or welding operation, the punching and/or welding operation being performed in three stages: a) transferring from a waiting position at a distance from a skin of the piece in order to come into a working position in contact with the skin; b) performing the punching and/or the welding; and then c) returning to the waiting position; the device further comprising a support for receiving the skin in a determined position.

Abstract: A sheet metal blanking die has a lower and an upper part and guide columns for maintaining the parts aligned. The upper part presents a plurality of punches which project downwards from it, when the die is closed by a press. Recesses are present on the flat lower portion to receive the respective punches at the moment of blanking. For one punch a rapid replacement device can be provided, including a chamber within which a loader can move presenting two cavities of vertical axis to receive relative punches. By moving the loader a punch can be selected for transfer from a rest position to an operative blanking position.

Abstract: To improve the freedom in material selection of cutter while suppressing increase in loads on the operator, a sliced specimen preparing apparatus of the present invention includes a cutter storage section storing a plurality of cutters, a specimen block cutting unit holding a cutter and slicing a surface layer of a specimen block, and a cutter transfer unit transferring a cutter stored in the cutter storage section to the specimen block cutting unit and replacing the cutter held by the specimen block cutting unit, the specimen block cutting unit is movable between a sliceable position where a blade edge of the cutter is oriented obliquely downward and a replacement position where the blade edge of the cutter is horizontally or oriented obliquely upward, and the cutter transfer unit replaces the cutter held by the specimen block cutting unit when the specimen block cutting unit is located at the replacement position.

Abstract: An auto-cutting apparatus cuts off burrs from a workpiece. The auto-cutting apparatus includes a work platform, a cutting device, and a control box. The work platform has a work station. The workpiece is placed on the work station. The cutting device is mounted to the work platform, the cutting device comprises a blade. The control box controls the blade to move to the workpiece on the work station to cut off the burrs of the workpiece. The control box controls the cutting device to move the blade away from the workpiece when the redundant part has been cut off.

Abstract: Cutting device for cutting strips from a band of material (8). The cutting device is provided with an elongate upper knife (1) and a lower knife (2) that is movable in longitudinal direction along the elongate upper knife (1), for cutting the material (8) by the movement of the lower knife (2) along the upper knife (1). The elongate upper knife (1) can be swiveled to at least substantially abutting contact with the lower knife (2), wherein the swiveling comprises at least a component transverse to the elongate upper knife (1). The upper knife (1) can be swiveled to against the lower knife (2) by means of an electromotor, in particular a servomotor (5), wherein the upper knife (1) exerts a force on the lower knife (2).

Abstract: A tool system is provided that has a stamp or punch adapter including eccentrically positioned stamp receptacles. This system permits a simple exchange of tool inserts in the stamp adapter. These tool inserts are also usable in another tool system. The system also permits combining the stamp adapter with a stamp shaft, which can also be used in another tool system. These features permit stamping (and punching) with minimal tooling and retooling efforts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cutting plotter with a feed roller that draws a sheet of media in a Y-direction while shifting the sheet back and forth along the Y-direction in response to a cutting order. The cutting plotter includes a cutting device that reciprocates in an X-direction and cooperates with the feed roller to cut the sheet in a desired shape in response to the cutting order. A base plate is disposed below the cutting device in the X-direction. The base plate has a channel formed in it. The channel is sized and configured to receive a portion of a blade of the cutting device when the blade engages the sheet and the blade traverses laterally along the channel.

Abstract: A sheet cutting device to cut a sheet conveyed through a conveyance path to a predetermined length, including a cutter casing movable in a sheet width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction while retracted from the sheet conveyance path after cutting of the sheet, a movable member separate from the cutter casing in the sheet conveyance direction and movable in the sheet width direction, a connection member to connect the cutter casing and the movable member, and a restriction unit to transform a state of the cutter casing between a displacement restriction state in which displacement of the cutter casing is restricted during the cutting of the sheet and a released state in which the restriction of displacement of the cutter casing is released while the cutter casing is retracted from the sheet conveyance path.

Abstract: A sheet metal blanking die has a lower and an upper part and guide columns for maintaining the parts aligned. The upper part presents a plurality of punches which project downwards from it, when the die is closed by a press. Recesses are present on the flat lower portion to receive the respective punches at the moment of blanking. For one punch a rapid replacement device can be provided, including a chamber within which a loader can move presenting two cavities of vertical axis to receive relative punches. By moving the loader a punch can be selected for transfer from a rest position to an operative blanking position.

Abstract: A punch press includes plural dies and plural punches, and punches a work by a punch and a die that are set at a work position. The punch press includes a lifter for lifting the die to be set at the work position up to a path line of the work, a die-support member movably provided on a die-side of the lifter, and a die supporter provided on the die-support member for supporting the die set at the work position in a state where the die has been selectively lifted up to the path line by the lifter. According to the punch press, contacts between a work and dies while conveying the work can be prevented.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is disclosed and which includes a cutter knife which is reciprocally moveable along a path of travel, a track member mounted adjacent to the cutter knife, and which mechanically cooperates with the cutter knife so as to define, at least in part, a first non-cutting position, and the second, cutting position for the cutter knife, and a magnet mounted on the track member and which releasably magnetically restrains the cutter knife when the cutter knife is in either of the first non-cutting position, or the second, cutting position.

Abstract: A microtome for in situ residence within a chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a SEM including the microtome is disclosed. The microtome includes a specimen holder for holding a specimen thereon at high voltage to produce a retardation field thereat and a movable knife. The SEM includes a backscatter electron detector disposed adjacent to specimen holder. The knife arranged is to be carried into engagement with the specimen on the specimen holder to slice a portion of the specimen away to expose a new face of the specimen without interfering with the high voltage on the specimen, and is mounted so that after having engaged the specimen to expose a new face of the specimen it is withdrawn to a retracted position whereupon it does not interfere with the retardation field.

Abstract: In order to reliably and promptly release bite of a fixed blade and a movable blade with a simple manipulation without being influenced by a state of paper jam of a recording sheet, provided is a printer capable of performing printing on a recording sheet and then cutting the same, including: a fixed blade (11); a movable blade (30); a movable blade drive system (31) including a rack (40) attached to the movable blade, and a rack gear (42) which gears with the rack, rotates in accordance with rotation of a drive gear (41) coupled to a forward/reverse rotatable motor, and linearly moves the rack; a manipulatable lever portion (32); a cooperative mechanism (13) including a pushing portion (12) for moving the fixed blade in a direction of moving away from the movable blade in conjunction with manipulation of the lever portion, and for releasing a contacting pressure of both the blades; a first unit mainly incorporating the fixed blade and the cooperative mechanism; and a second unit (4) mainly incorporating the

Abstract: A cutter mechanism for use in a printer includes a main body unit to rotatably hold a thermal head by means of a spring which biases the thermal head against a platen provided in an opening/closing unit rotatably fixed to the main body unit, and a print medium conveyance path interposed between the thermal head and the platen. The cutter mechanism further includes a fixed blade unit with a fixed blade, attached to the main body unit, and a movable blade unit with a movable blade, attached to the opening/closing unit. The movable blade cuts a print medium in cooperation with the fixed blade. The fixed blade and the movable blade move to a fixed blade OPEN state position and a movable blade OPEN state position, respectively, away from the print medium conveyance path when the opening/closing unit is in an OPEN state.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus, configured for cutting a gate of an injection molding part, includes a bottom board, a cutting mechanism located on the bottom board. The cutting mechanism includes a driving member and a cutting member engaged with the driving member. The cutting member includes a first cutting section having a first handle, and a second cutting section having a second handle. The second cutting section is rotatably attached to the first cutting section, the first handle and the second handle abut an inner surface of the driving member, and the driving member is configured to move the first handle and the second handle.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus configured for aligned with a gate of an injection molding part, includes a bottom board, a main adjustable mechanism attached to the bottom board, and a cutting mechanism. The main adjustable mechanism includes a driving device, a mounting member attached to the driving device, and a rotatable member rotatably attached to the mounting member. The rotatable member can be rotatable relative to the mounting member between a first position, where an acute angle is formed between the rotatable member and the mounting member, and a second position, where the rotatable member parallel to and abuts the mounting member.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting a gate of an injection molding part, includes a bottom board, a pushing mechanism attached to the bottom board; and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a driving member and a cutting member that is engaged with the driving member. The pushing mechanism moves the cutting mechanism in a first direction parallel to the bottom board, for the cutting mechanism to align with the gate. The driving member rotates the cutting mechanism, so the cutting mechanism can cut the gate.

Abstract: A multiple punch apparatus for punch presses having a provision for preventing undesired damage to a work-piece includes a housing having a plurality of separate punches that include at least one inactive punch and one active punch, each inactive punch being supported in an elevated position by retention magnet means having flux lines oriented to extend into at least each inactive punch when the active punch is in a position in which it is driven into engagement with a work-piece, whereby each inactive punch is magnetically supported to prevent any unintended contact with the work-piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining a variable trim line of a panel, which can machine the variable trim line through a simple manipulation within a single process at the time of machining a trunk lid panel. The apparatus includes: an upper die unit disposed at an upper die steel and including a select retainer adapted to selectively punch the variable trim line of the panel, and an upper punch adapted to be moved forward and backward; and a lower die unit disposed at a lower die steel in such a fashion as to be directed opposite to the upper die unit in a row and adapted to push a strap caught in the lower die steel while cooperating with punching operation of the upper punch of the upper die unit. With the apparatus, a die manufacturing cost can be reduced, productivity can be increased and default rate can be reduced.

Abstract: A cutting device includes: a cutter unit having a cutter blade; and a cutter operation mechanism which causes the cutter unit to carry out a circulatory movement including a cutting preparation operation which causes the cutter unit to advance toward a tape-like member from a cutting stand-by position to a cutting start position, the cutting operation which causes the cutter unit to move from the cutting start position to a cutting completion position, a withdrawal operation which causes the cutter unit to retreat from the cutting completion position to a withdrawal position, and a return operation which causes the cutter unit to return from the withdrawal position to the cutting stand-by position, wherein the cutter operation mechanism, in the cutting preparation operation, makes the cutting start operation different between a full cutting and a half cutting.

Abstract: A cutting device which carries out a cutting operation on a tape-like member in a width direction thereof, includes: a cutter operation mechanism, as well as making a cutting start position different between a full cutting and a half cutting in the cutting preparation operation, causes a cutter unit to carry out a first cutting operation, which causes the cutter unit to move in the width direction from the cutting start position to a predetermined position, and a second cutting operation, which causes the cutter unit to advance from the predetermined position to the cutting completion position in a direction approximately perpendicular to a tape surface of the tape-like member, on the tape-like member in the cutting operation.

Abstract: A cutting device includes: a cutter unit having a cutter blade; and a cutter operation mechanism which causes the cutter unit to carry out a circulatory movement including a cutting preparation operation which causes the cutter unit to advance toward a tape-like member from a cutting start position, a cutting operation which causes the cutter unit to move to a cutting completion position, a withdrawal operation which causes the cutter unit to retreat from the cutting completion position to a withdrawal position, and a return operation which causes the cutter unit to return to a cutting stand-by position, wherein the cutter operation mechanism, in the return operation, makes the cutting start position and withdrawal position of the cutter unit different between a full cutting which cuts all of the tape-like member and a half cutting which cuts one portion of the tape-like member.

Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a circular table saw, having a tool holding fixture, in particular for a disk-shaped, rotary-drivable tool, and a protective device. The protective device may be provided for the purpose of guiding the tool into a safety position, and from the safety position into at least one working position.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus that allows to accelerate a punching process while executing a sheet ejection offset certainly. A conveying unit conveys a sheet. A first moving unit moves the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit in a width direction that crosses a conveying direction of the sheet. A punching unit punches a hole in the sheet. A second moving unit moves the punching unit in the width direction. A control unit controls the first moving unit so as to change positions of sheets ejected to a sheet stack unit in the width direction by turns for every sheet bundle sorted. The control unit controls the second moving unit and the punching unit so as to execute a punching operation by the punching unit while moving the punching unit in synchronization with the movement of the sheet by the first moving unit.

Abstract: The board edger has a longitudinal horizontal board path therein and first and second saw boxes disposed in a tandem mode adjacent the board path. Each saw box has a pair of saw blades mounted therein. The saw blades have a cutting direction that is aligned generally along the longitudinal board path. A controller is provided for coordinately moving the pair of saw blades in the first saw box into the board path for edging a first wood board and the pair of saw blades in the second saw box out of the board path for pre-positioning in view of edging a second wood board. One saw box is used for edging odd wood boards and the other saw box is used for edging even wood boards.

Abstract: A punch press provided with a punch and die set taking-out/taking-in apparatus 291; a punch taking-out/taking-in arm 367 for performing taking-out/taking-in of a punch P; and a die taking-out/taking-in arm 369 for performing taking-out/taking-in of a die D, wherein taking-out/taking-in of many punches P, dies D accommodated in a punch and die set accommodating portion 282 of a rack 283 is performed by pivoting a punch holding arm 279 which holds a punch P and a die holding arm 281 which holds a die D in a punch and die set exchanging apparatus 23 forward or backward; and delivery of a die is performed between the punch and die set taking-out/taking-in apparatus 291 and the punch and die set exchanging apparatus 23.

Abstract: The invention involves a die holder for a press, such as a metal-fabricating press. The die holder can be configured to receive a die, and can include a clamp portion and a wall portion. Preferably, the clamp and wall portions can be positioned in an open configuration or a closed configuration, and the die holder can be adjusted from an unclamped configuration to a clamped configuration. The die holder may have a die-release mechanism useful for overcoming stiction and facilitating removal of the die from the die holder.

Abstract: For a machine tool, particularly an underfloor circular saw bench, a height adjustment of the tool during operation is provided at least as a function of the respective height of the machined workpiece present across the advancement path to a height level having only little overhang to the workpiece.

Abstract: A shears device including a rolling table, a rail-guided drive carriage coupled with the rolling table, a U-shaped frame mounted on the drive carriage, and a drive apparatus arranged on the drive carriage for driving the shears. The frame has a first side adjacent the drive apparatus and a second side opposite the first side on which holding elements for the shears are provided. At least one of the holding elements on the second side of an upper of the horizontal arms includes a pressure plate. A drive is provided for moving the drive carriage transverse to the transport line. A clamping element is arranged at the second side of the frame and has congruent gliding plates that overlap the pressure plate. The clamping element together with the gliding plates is movable along a horizontal path across the pressure plate to couple the clamping element and the holding element.

Abstract: In conventional ram-driven presses, the downward stroke of the ram into a tool causes acceleration of the tool, thereby facilitating an operation on a workpiece by the tip of the tool. While the ram stroke is found to impart sufficient dynamic energy to the tool to facilitate the necessitated operation by the tool tip, there are other more efficient, and in turn, more effective, means and methods of actuating the tool tip, with such means and methods being facilitated from energy derived from the tool's acceleration or from energy from other external sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends.

Abstract: A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector comprising a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of accessing a packaged medicament include placing a blister-type package containing the medicament onto a receiving area of a holder with a blister portion of the package extending into an opening in the holder. The blister-type package is held in place while a severing device is moved relative to the opening to separate at least a part of the blister portion from the blister-type package in order to access the medicament.

Abstract: A hole punching device includes two first punching members and a second punching member intermediate the two first punching members. A first, second and third lever arms are adapted to render one of the two first punching members, another of the two first punching members and the second punching member to press holes on sheets respectively. The first lever arm has a longitudinal length being longer than those of the second and third lever arms, and the second lever arm being longer than that of the third lever arm. Further, the first lever arm actuates the second and third lever arms upon depression of the hole punching device.