Abstract: A continuous length of material of non-circular cross-section is pelletized to form discrete bits, by feeding the material to a cutting wheel with shaped cutters that form non-planar bits having non-circular axial projections and that are aligned with the material. The material is fed so as to maintain a rotational orientation with respect to the cutters, and so as to avoid buckling. Multiple banks of strands of material are severed simultaneously, thereby producing high volumes of shaped bits that are useful as filling and as filter material, and as friction-enhancing additives.

Abstract: A cutting device for shear-cutting of fiber strands comprises at least two cutting units which are rotatably drivable about an axis of rotation and two counter cutting units which are rigidly mounted relative to a base frame. The cutting edges of the cutting units as well as the counter cutting edges of the counter cutting units are positionable relative to a common cutting plane independently of each other. The forces acting on the counter cutting edges are measured during a cutting process by means of corresponding measuring sensors, allowing the position of the counter cutting edges to be controlled by means of a control unit via electrically driven displacement devices.

Abstract: A cutting tool for flexible line, the cutting tool being attached to the package for the flexible line, comprises a base member having a groove adapted to receive the flexible line when the cutting tool is in use and a blade recessed within the groove, the blade being adapted to cut the flexible line when the line is forced into the blade during use of the cutting tool. The cutting tool further includes an arm member in operative relationship with and complementary to the base member, which arm member is capable of producing and applying mechanical advantage in a manner that forces the flexible line received within the groove against the blade to thereby sever the flexible line.

Abstract: A module for automatic scrap wire isolating and removal is used in systems such as wire insulation lines for extricating scrap wires while minimally interfering with the mechanized wire insulation process. One such module includes a knife assembly with a knife, a scrap tray with a tilt plate for catching the scrap wire below the knife assembly, an accumulator with curved hooks oriented for catching and accumulating, one at a time, the wire and the scrap wire and rotatable for letting go, one at a time, of the wire and scrap wire, so as to allow the knife to completely separate the scrap wire from the wire. A lifting linkage in this module is operatively engaged with the tilt plate tilting it at an angle sufficient for the isolated scrap wire to slide off, whereby the scrap wire is removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating long, unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The apparatus has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, and a new-strand starting mechanism. The improvements include a guide roll for the items spaced from and located upstream of the apparatus and a movable, two-part idler roll on the apparatus for increasing the width of a separating portion of the backup roll.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism and method for a tooling head is provided, the tooling head including a housing; a cord line feeding passageway extending through the housing to an applicator end, and an applicator assembly at the applicator end for application of the cord line to an annular surface. The cutting mechanism provides a reciprocally moving plunger body housed within the tooling head; a reciprocating cutting member moving between a first position cutting the cord line and a second position in a non-cutting relationship with the cord line; a cutting member being coupled to the plunger body to translate reciprocal movement of the plunger body to reciprocal movement of the cutting member between the first and second positions. A stream of air may be directed into the cord line passageway proximate the cutting member to assist in threading a severed free end of the cord through the passageway to the applicator assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for separating long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The system has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, a new-strand starting mechanism and a set of pull rolls. The improvements include a second starting roll spaced from a first starting roll as part of the new-strand starting mechanism and a guide aid for the pull rolls.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for continuous lengths of filaments bundles, film ribbons, filamentary-type or other material in strip like form is disclosed containing a tube that is readily adjustable in very small increments relative to rotating blades. A housing surrounds the exit end of the tube and rotating blades which is attached to a suction device. The device creates a high velocity flow of air through the tube which aligns the filamentary material for cutting. An insert may be placed in the tube which contains an upper surface or anvil at its outer end. The tube and/or the insert in the tube is adjustable in two dimensions relative to one or more blades rotating in a plane transverse to the axis of the tube. These adjustments which may be made during operation of the cutting process to facilitate a cleaner, uniform cutting of the filamentary material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating long, unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The apparatus has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, and a new-strand starting mechanism. The improvements include a guide roll for the items spaced from and located upstream of the apparatus and a movable, two-part idler roll on the apparatus for increasing the width of a separating portion of the backup roll.

Abstract: A cable stripper apparatus is disclosed for stripping insulation from an electric cable. The apparatus includes a framework and a driven wire feeder rotatably secured to the framework. A guide is provided for guiding the cable towards the wire feeder. The guide includes a movable spacer bar which extends towards the wire feeder. A cutter has a cutting edge which is disposed spaced and parallel to an axis of rotation of the wire feeder. The cutter is connected to the framework immediately adjacent to the wire feeder. The arrangement is such that when the cable is guided by the guide towards the wire feeder, the wire feeder, spacer bar and the cutter cooperate with each other for stripping the insulation from the cable. A cam is rotatably supported by the framework for moving the movable spacer bar relative to the framework to a required location of a plurality of locations of the movable spacer bar.

Abstract: A method and system for separating long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. into short lengths. The system has a backup roll, a blade roll, an idler roll, a new-strand starting mechanism and a set of pull rolls. The improvements include a second starting roll spaced from a first starting roll as part of the new-strand starting mechanism and a guide aid for the pull rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chopping long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. The chopper has a backup roll, a blade roll and an idler roll. The improvements include one or both of a shield having an air jet at or near its upper end, the shield being upstream of the blade roll and spaced from the blade roll, a lower end of the shield being spaced from the working surface, the air jet communicating with a source of compressed air, to prevent a buildup of fuzz or chopped item(s) upstream of the blade roll, and a shield having an air jet at or near its upper end, the air jet being located close to the working surface and the shield angling or curving downward from a location spaced from the working surface beginning between about an 8 O'clock and a 10 o'clock position on the backup roll and transitioning generally downward ending at a location below and spaced from the idler roll to protect the idler roll from chopped item(s).

Abstract: A rope-severing device includes a first sleeve having a first axis. A second sleeve is provided abutting and slideably oriented with the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are at least one of coaxial and parallel. A sharp object is mounted at least partially within the first sleeve.

Abstract: A chopper for chopping fibers or fiber strands having a back up roll and a blade roll containing blades that work against a peripheral surface of the back up roll and a method of using is disclosed. The chopper has a number of improved features for reducing the frequency of long fibers or long fiber strands and fuzz from getting into the chopped product. The chopper can have one or any combination of the improvements. The improvements include a strand guide located at least two feet up stream of the chopper, a first starting roll for starting a new strand that runs on a fluid bearing that can be adjusted to control the RPM of the first starting roll, a mount for a roll that runs against the peripheral surface of said back up roll, a strand guide insert for reducing fuzz generation and for preventing fuzz from getting into the product, and a deflector plate for catching and deflecting chopped strands thrown off the back up roll into a chopped strand product chute.

Abstract: Spooling apparatus comprising means for rotatably mounting a first reel and a second reel, catching means for guiding a thread (1) to be spooled onto the first reel and further to the second reel and cutting means (5) for cutting the thread to be spooled when the thread to be spooled is guided from the first reel onto the second reel. The cutting means (5) comprises at least one cutting blade (7) which is moved at least in the cutting direction (K) as a result of the tension of the thread (1) to be cut.

Abstract: A safety cable cutter used for cutting a cable used in servicing an oil and gas well. A centrifugal arm roller and a guide roller are mounted on top of a frame. The cable is received on the rollers as the cable is lowered down a well bore. Mounted on ends of the centrifugal arm roller is a centrifugal arm attached to an arm coil spring. The coil spring holds the centrifugal arm next to the end of the roller. Opposite ends of a clamp attached to a cutter bar are slidably received in a pair of cutter bar guides. When the centrifugal arm roller exceeds a certain speed indicating a free fall of the cable, the bias force of the arm coil springs is overcome and the arms move outwardly. Contact ends of the arms engage the opposite ends of the clamp. The clamp and cutter bar are then moved outwardly and the cutter bar cuts the cable.

Abstract: An optical fiber cutting device provided with a speed reducing part which transmits drive force by reducing the drive speed of the external drive force, a drive force transmission part which transmits the drive force from the speed reduction part to the cutting blade holder, a cutting blade holder, a cutting blade which is held by the cutting blade holder and moves to the cutting position along with said cutting blade holder, and an optical fiber supporter which supports the optical fiber so as to be perpendicular to said cutting blade at the cutting position.

Abstract: There is provided a system that automatically delivers, monitors and replenishes a string of packaging cushions to hoppers located at multiple packing stations through an elongated cushion delivery duct having a series of intermediate outlets to permit the string of cushions to drop into the hopper located below the delivery duct and above the packing station. A blower is positioned near the inlet of the elongated duct to provide air flow in the duct to carry the string of cushions through the duct to one of the outlets. When the hopper is full of cushions sensors signal the controller to close the diverter and the string of cushions is delivered to another packaging station. The system may include a knife assembly to cut the string of cushions holding pins and the tension-relief diverter it is located at the inlet of the duct to hold tension on the string of cushions while the string is being separated.

Abstract: A cutting device for spring manufacturing machines includes an actuator, a transmission mechanism and a sliding mechanism. The actuator includes a connecting rod with a pin hole formed therein. The sliding mechanism includes a track, a slider and a switching pin. The slider includes an axial hole and slidably moves back and forth in the track. The switching pin can be inserted through or removed from the axial hole and the pin hole so that the cutting device can perform either a linear direction or an oval trace cutting in a coil spring winding machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging arm for conveying, treating and discharging different starting materials in order to produce glass fiber armored plastic pipes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of fiber bundles and an apparatus for the performance of the method. A continuous process routine and the reduction of fiber losses is permitted by a method with process steps including taking up and transportation of a fiber bundle strand using one or more feed elements, cutting of the fiber bundle strand into partial bundles of a suitable length, releasing the partial bundles from the feed elements, gripping of the partial bundles using one or more gripping elements and releasing the partial bundles from the gripping elements. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for the performance of the method.

Abstract: A severing apparatus for use with a battery cable is provided. The severing apparatus includes a housing that holds an initiator and a severing element. The battery cable is located through a lateral bore formed in the housing. The severing element is disposed on one side of the battery cable. A deformable blocker can be disposed on the opposite side of the battery cable. When it is desired to sever the battery cable and thereby discontinue the supplying of electrical power by the battery, such as when a predetermined vehicle collision occurs, the initiator is triggered and causes the severing element to move. Movement of the severing element removes a severed battery cable segment. Movement of the severing element and the severed battery cable segment is stopped using the blocker when present. The blocker can be part of a shell that surrounds the housing. Alternatively, the blocker can be held in the housing.

Abstract: A method for cuffing suture, including: feeding the suture to a drawing axis for drawing and cutting thereof; heating the suture to stiffen a small length; gripping the suture and alternately drawing it along the drawing axis by first and second grippers; cutting the suture to provide uniform lengths; and providing a predetermined length of suture travel between the heating step and the cutting step, which is a discrete number, two or more, times the uniform length of suture being cut by the apparatus, to provide a discrete number, two or more, of apparatus cutting cycles between heating of the suture and cutting of the suture, whereby after heating of a small length of suture, the suture is cooled to allow setting and hardening of the suture material prior to cutting.

Abstract: A flying shear has leader and follower blades rotating in opposite directions about parallel axes located above and below a horizontal plane. The radius of rotation of the leader blade is longer than the radius of rotation of the follower blade. The blades are configured and arranged to coact in a radially overlapping relationship at a cutting zone spaced vertically from the horizontal plane. A switch directs longitudinally moving products such as bars, rods and the like from the horizontal plane across the cutting zone for separation by the rotating blades into leading and trailing segments.

Abstract: A method for cutting an elastomer cable into ultra-precise, defect-free segments of consistent length, and an apparatus to perform the same. The invented apparatus comprises cable advancement, cable clamping and cable shearing systems. The cable advancement system comprises rollers with a groove substantially matching the diameter of the cable. The cable clamping system comprises a pair of dies with a preferably conical feed hole and a clamping hole substantially matching the diameter of the cable. The cable shearing system comprises a preferably extra keen coated cryo treated movable razor blade that is held at an adjustable angle against the face of the clamping dies and slides in a linear path at a low sawing angle. In one embodiment, a second razor blade for nicking the cable prior to shearing—on substantially the opposite side of the cable from where shearing begins—is used to prevent tears in cable slices. The invented apparatus can be manually operated, or it can be motorized.

Abstract: A chopper for chopping fibers or fiber strands having a back up roll and a blade roll containing blades that work against a peripheral surface of the back up roll and a method of using is disclosed. The chopper has a number of improved features for reducing the frequency of long fibers or long fiber strands and fuzz from getting into the chopped product. The chopper can have one or any combination of the improvements. The improvements include a strand guide located at least two feet up stream of the chopper, a first starting roll for starting a new strand that runs on a fluid bearing that can be adjusted to control the RPM of the first starting roll, a mount for a roll that runs against the peripheral surface of said back up roll, a strand guide insert for reducing fuzz generation and for preventing fuzz from getting into the product, and a deflector plate for catching and deflecting chopped strands thrown off the back up roll into a chopped strand product chute.

Abstract: A cable stripper apparatus is disclosed for stripping insulation from electric cable. The apparatus includes a framework and a drive secured to the framework. A wire feeder is rotatably secured to the framework and is rotatably driven by the drive. A guide is provided for guiding the cable towards the wire feeder. Also, a cutter is connected to the framework adjacent to the feeder. The arrangement is such that when the cable is guided by the guide towards the wire feeder, the wire feeder and the cutter cooperate with each other for stripping the insulation from the cable.

Abstract: Dual bladed apparatus for cleaving optical fibers is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening therein for receiving an optical fiber, with or without insulation thereon and whether or not contained within a ferrule, the apparatus having dual, opposing, cooperatively operable cutting means reciprocally moveable transversely to the fiber, which cutters are positioned in adjacent proximity to the exit of the opening. On insertion of a fiber through the opening and upon actuation of the cutters, the fiber is cleaved. Fibers having diameters up to 3 millimeters can be cleaved, and angled cleaves are achievable.

Abstract: A shear is disclosed for subdividing an elongated product moving longitudinally in a horizontal plane. The shear includes upper and lower continuously rotating blades respectively coacting in a radially overlapping relationship at first and second laterally disposed cutting zones. An upstream switch operates to divert the product laterally across the cutting zones to separate a leading end from an intermediate section in the first cutting zone, and to separate a trailing end from the intermediate section in the second cutting zone.

Abstract: An optical fiber cutting device provided with a speed reducing part which transmits drive force by reducing the drive speed of the external drive force, a drive force transmission part which transmits the drive force from the speed reduction part to the cutting blade holder, a cutting blade holder, a cutting blade which is held by the cutting blade holder and moves to the cutting position along with said cutting blade holder, and an optical fiber supporter which supports the optical fiber so as to be perpendicular to said cutting blade at the cutting position. In addition, when a cutting blade with a blade thickness &agr; (mm) is used, and said cutting blade is moved at a speed &bgr; (mm/minute) during cutting, &agr; and &bgr; fulfill the expression &bgr;≦−253&agr;+65.

Abstract: A cut-off mechanism for forming metal parts from elongate stock and the like includes a first jaw having a first cutting surface that extends from a sharpened cutting edge. A second jaw has a second cutting surface that extends from a sharpened cutting edge. A connector pivotally interconnects the first and second jaws in a side-by-side relationship at a location spaced apart from the first and second cutting surfaces. The connector positions the leading edges of the first and second cutting surfaces in close planar alignment to shear cut stock positioned therebetween. The cutting edge of the first cutting surface has a hook-shaped side elevational configuration extending arcuately between an outer tip portion thereof and an inner base portion thereof.

Abstract: A chopper for chopping fibers or fiber strands having a back up roll and a blade roll containing blades that work against a peripheral surface of the back up roll and a method of using is disclosed. The chopper has a number of improved features for reducing the frequency of long fibers or long fiber strands and fuzz from getting into the chopped product. The chopper can have one or any combination of the improvements. The improvements include a strand guide located at least two feet up stream of the chopper, a first starting roll for starting a new strand that runs on a fluid bearing that can be adjusted to control the RPM of the first starting roll, a mount for a roll that runs against the peripheral surface of said back up roll, a strand guide insert for reducing fuzz generation and for preventing fuzz from getting into the product, and a deflector plate for catching and deflecting chopped strands thrown off the back up roll into a chopped strand product chute.

Abstract: Capillary columns (102) pass through and are inserted in a rubber plate (14), held and fixed by elastic force of rubber, and two-dimensionally arranged on a sample injection side. It fixes the capillary columns (102) arranged on a plane in close contact by holding the same with a holder plate (6a) from below and with a rubber plate (16) from above on a detection side. In order to press the capillary columns (102) against the holder plate 6a and fix the same with the rubber plate (16), a holder plate (6b) fixing the rubber plate (16) to the holder plate (6a) on both sides of the arrangement of the capillary columns (102) is provided.

Abstract: A cable breakaway assembly is adapted for mounting within a stationary component of a communications service network to prevent damage to a feeder cable in the event that an excessive pulling force is applied to a customer cable spliced to the feeder cable. In one embodiment, the cable breakaway assembly comprises a generally symmetric base, at least one cutting blade fixed to the base, and a swing arm rotatably attached to the base and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The communications cable is secured to the swing arm by a cable clamp and the swing arm is biased in the extended position by a torsion spring. When the excessive force is applied to the customer cable the swing arm rotates to the retracted position, thereby bringing the communications cable into contact with the cutting blade and severing the communications cable. In another embodiment, the base defines a cavity and the swing arm is replaced by a cable block resiliently positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: A method for cutting an elastomer cable into ultra-precise, defect-free segments of consistent length, and an apparatus to perform the same. The invented apparatus comprises cable advancement, cable clamping and cable shearing systems. The cable advancement system comprises rollers with a groove substantially matching the diameter of the cable. The cable clamping system comprises a pair of dies with a preferably conical feed hole and a clamping hole substantially matching the diameter of the cable. The cable shearing system comprises a preferably extra keen coated cryo treated movable razor blade that is held at an adjustable angle against the face of the clamping dies and slides in a linear path at a low sawing angle. In one embodiment, a second razor blade for nicking the cable prior to shearing—on substantially the opposite side of the cable from where shearing begins—is used to prevent tears in cable slices. The invented apparatus can be manually operated, or it can be motorized.

Abstract: A wire cutting device (3) for cutting a wire electrode (5), used to generate an electric discharge between it and a workpiece (W), comprising a drive gear (12), a follower gear (13) which meshes with the drive gear and is shiftable in its axial direction relative to the drive gear, an adjustable bias mechanism (17) which presses the follower gear against the drive gear in order to accommodate wire electrode of various diameters, materials and conditions, take-up rollers (10a, 10b) which feed spent wire electrode between the drive gear and the follower gear, and a drive mechanism for driving the drive gear such that the peripheral speed of the drive gear is greater than the speed at which the wire electrode is fed out by the wire take up device.

Abstract: A wire measuring and cutting apparatus 1 is provided with an U-turn guide section 6 which serves to guide a wire W being fed into a guide passage 5b for bending the wire W in a substantially U-shaped manner. In the section 6, a movable guide part 5 is constituted by a pair of guide pieces 5a, 5a which are pivoted so as to open and close together. The U-turn guide section 6 is provided with a displacement mechanism 8. The mechanism 8 can maintain the pair of guide pieces 5a, 5a in the closed position. While, the mechanism 8 can displace the guide pieces 5a, 5a for the opened position together with feeding inertia of the wire W in process of measuring the length of the wire W. With this structure, the guide pieces 5a, 5a can be opened at high speed due to the feeding inertia in addition to the driving force of the mechanism 8 to open the pieces 5a, 5a and there is no need to stop feeding the wire W during the measurement of the wire W.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting an indefinite length suture to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to surgical needles includes a drawing tower having first and second guide members defining a drawing axis parallel thereto. First and second grippers are provided to grip the indefinite length suture and to alternately draw it along the drawing axis, with each gripper being mounted for reciprocal movement along a guide member. Each gripper alternately grips the suture and draws it a distance beyond the location of a cutter assembly while the other gripper reciprocates to a start position before the cutter assembly. A tipping assembly heats a predetermined small length of the suture to stiffen the suture thereat after subsequent cooling, in preparation for cutting the suture and inserting a stiffened lead cut end of the suture into an end of a needle for swaging thereto.

Abstract: A cut-off mechanism for forming metal parts from elongate stock and the like includes a first jaw having a laterally inclined first cutting surface that extends between a sharpened leading edge and a trailing edge. A second jaw has a laterally inclined second cutting surface that extends between a sharpened leading edge and a trailing edge. A connector pivotally interconnects the first and second jaws in a side-by-side relationship at a location spaced apart from the first and second cutting surfaces. The connector positions the leading edges of the first and second cutting surfaces in close planar alignment to shear cut stock positioned therebetween. The leading edge of the first cutting surface has a hook-shaped side elevational configuration extending arcuately between an outer tip portion thereof and an inner base portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an indefinite length suture strand to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to a surgical needle includes a drawing tower having at least one guide member defining a drawing axis parallel thereto. First and second gripping devices are provided to grip the indefinite length suture strand and draw it along the drawing axis; each gripping device mounted for reciprocal movement on at least one guide member. A retractable cutter for cutting the indefinite length suture strand is also provided for cutting the strand at a start position along the drawing axis. The indefinite length suture strand is fed to the drawing axis and drawn a predetermined distance beyond the location of the retractable cutter for positioning within a suture receiving opening formed in the surgical needle, while the second gripping device reciprocates to a start position along the drawing axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a fiber process, the arrangement being provided with a control and drawing device for guiding a fiber or the like along a desired course, and with a cutting device for cutting the fiber or the like at a moment dependent on the fiber process. For controlled operation, the cutting device comprise a body of revolution consisting of two parts between which the fiber or the like is arranged to pass during the process without that it comes in contact with the parts. The body of revolution is arranged to rotate during the cutting of the fiber or the like about an axis that is essentially transverse to the travel direction of the fiber. The edge of one part of the body of revolution is rendered so sharp that as the rotating motion of the body of revolution makes the edge press against the fiber or the like, the edge cuts the fiber, whereby the free end of the fiber or the like winds round the rotating body of revolution.

Abstract: A fixed blade and a rotary cutter are mounted in a supporting frame of a wire cutting apparatus. A clearance not larger than a half of a diameter of the wire is provided between a tip of the fixed blade and a tip of the rotary cutter. The rotary cutter has a channel provided between each couple of cutting edges of the rotary cutter and inclined to its rotational shaft. The fixed blade may be disposed in each of opposing side walls of the supporting frame, the fixed blades being shifted from each other in an axial direction of the rotational shaft.

Abstract: A device for deflecting wire-rod strand moving at high speed. The invention permits the safe deflection of any lengths of the wire-rod strand especially at high product speeds. High forces adjustable within wide limits are temporarily applied to the product without substantially reducing the kinetic energy of the product or impairing its smooth travel. The high forces are electromagnetic forces which are applied temporarily to the wire-rod rolling stock perpendicular to the direction of product travel. These forces are generated by a current flowing through the product and a stationary current conductor opposing the wire-rod strand in approximately the same plane. The electromagnetic forces deflect the wire-rod strand away from the current conductor. In addition, a second device may be placed opposite the first device to apply an opposing force to the wire-rod strand.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an indefinite length suture strand to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to a surgical needle includes a drawing tower having at least one guide member defining a drawing axis parallel thereto. First and second gripping devices are provided to grip the indefinite length suture strand and draw it along the drawing axis; each gripping device mounted for reciprocal movement on at least one guide member. A retractable cutter for cutting the indefinite length suture strand is also provided for cutting the strand at a start position along the drawing axis. The indefinite length suture strand is fed to the drawing axis and drawn a predetermined distance beyond the location of the retractable cutter for positioning within a suture receiving opening formed in the surgical needle, while the second gripping device reciprocates to a start position along the drawing axis.

Abstract: A device for cropping and deflecting a wire-rod strand moving at high speed, comprising two rotating cutter heads, each having a cutter and arranged one on top of the other, one cutter being a leading cutter and the other cutter being a trailing cutter, and a switch tube arranged between the two cutter heads, for forcibly guiding wire-rod strand between the two cutter heads to separate a head piece of the wire-rod strand not conforming to the quality requirements from the strand. There is an outlet having guide channels separated from each other for receiving the head piece of the wire-rod strand and the wire-rod strand. There is a fin arranged on each of the cutter heads, a leading fin directly in front of the leading cutter in the direction of rotation of the corresponding cutter head, and a trailing fin directly behind the trailing cutter in the direction of rotation of the corresponding cutter head.

Abstract: This invention relates to a needle attached suture manufacturing method and apparatus capable of cutting a suture exactly at the same length, with a simple construction and high efficiency. A transport/holding device 42 holds a suture Y and transports the suture straight forward toward a needle swaging device 20 a distance corresponding to a predetermined target value. Thereafter, the suture Y is cut at a certain position to obtain a suture strand. The suture strand is then inserted in an insertion hole formed at the end of a needle and is swaged by the needle swaging device 20. As an altered method, after the suture Y is inserted in the insertion hole of the needle, the suture Y is cut at a position away from the end of the needle a predetermined target distance.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting an indefinite length suture to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to surgical needles includes a drawing tower having first and second guide members defining a drawing axis parallel thereto. First and second grippers are provided to grip the indefinite length suture and to alternately draw it along the drawing axis, with each gripper being mounted for reciprocal movement along a guide member. Each gripper alternately grips the suture and draws it a distance beyond the location of a cutter assembly while the other gripper reciprocates to a start position before the cutter assembly. A tipping assembly heats a predetermined small length of the suture to stiffen the suture thereat after subsequent cooling, in preparation for cutting the suture thereat and inserting a stiffened lead cut end of the suture into an end of a needle for swaging thereto.

Abstract: A rotary suture cutting apparatus includes a base having an upper resilient layer, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a frame and a rotary cutting tool having a disk shaped circular blade. The cutting tool is slidably mounted to the frame and when moved from one end to the other of the frame, cleanly slices suture material clamped between the base and the cutting assembly without brooming, fraying or otherwise disporting the cut suture tip.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a plastic stringline cutter apparatus is provided which includes a base, an upright stand, and a faceplate that permanently connects unitary through which a slot with an oval acclivity or syncline is provided which accepts a ratchet paddleblade with a connecting handle that mounts springable, releasable and reversible in a unitary slot. In one embodiment the paddleblade with connecting handle which is manually springable operative has a plurality of incurvate xyresic edges, typically two, one upper and one lower.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a needle attached suture manufacturing apparatus, with a simple construction and reduced cost, capable of assuredly inserting the lead end of a suture in an insertion hole formed in the end of a needle before the end of the needle is swaged. In order to accomplish the above object, a needle swaging device 20 of this apparatus includes die support members 101 and 102 on which swaging dies 111 and 112 are mounted to be movable toward and away from each other. Suture guide plates 95 and 96 are mounted on the die support members 101 and 102 and are formed with guide grooves 95a and 96b, respectively. Before a swaging operation of the needle end by the swaging dies 111 and 112, the suture guide plates 95 and 96 move to a contact state or to a close contact state with each other when the swaging dies 111 and 112 are set to a pre-swaging position in contact with or in close contact with the end of the needle.