A process for debundling a carbon fiber tow into dispersed chopped carbon fibers suitable for usage in molding composition formulations is provided. A carbon fiber tow is fed into a die having fluid flow openings, through which a fluid impinges upon the side of the tow to expand the tow cross sectional area. The expanded cross sectional area tow extends from the die into the path of a conventional fiber chopping apparatus to form chopped carbon fibers, or through contacting tines of a mechanical debundler. Through adjustment of the relative position of fluid flow openings relative to a die bore through which fiber tow passes, the nature of the fluid impinging on the tow, the shape of the bore, in combinations thereof, an improved chopped carbon fiber dispersion is achieved. The chopped carbon fiber obtained is then available to be dispersed in molding composition formulations prior to formulation cure.

A deflectable lifting device can be mounted to a support form, work surface or other member of a material conveyance system. According to embodiments, the deflectable lifting device can have a base that mounts into the support, and a bendable arm arranged in the pathway of a material conveyance system, such as a paper stripping or paper blanking work station. When a sheet or web of material travels over the deflectable lifting device, the bendable arm can bend and deflect downwards, but still contact the sheet or web with a gently humped or arcuate portion, providing a small margin of elevation or lift to the sheet or web. The sheet or web can therefore be elevated above edges, holes, or other obstructions in the pathway that could jam or snag the delivery of the material.

A cutting apparatus configured to hold an elongate element, such as a ribbon, in a desired orientation as the elongate element is cut into two sections. A cutting element of such a cutting apparatus may be confined to a single orientation relative to that of the elongate element, reducing or eliminating the likelihood of misalignment between the cutting element and the elongate element immediately before the elongate element is cut. In some embodiments, the cutting apparatus, or even its cutting element, may be configured to seal the newly cut ends of the elongate element. Methods for cutting and or sealing elongate elements, such as ribbons, are also disclosed.

A system comprising a wrapping device that forms a ring of tensioned material by wrapping a material around an outer circumference of a tube encasement, and a cutting device that cuts through an entire cross-section of the ring of tensioned material, the tube encasement and a tube encased by the tube encasement, wherein the ring of tensioned material applies a first radial force onto the tube encasement and induces a second radial force from the tube encasement onto the tube.

A filter medium is embossed to form embossments and the filter medium is then cut at least in some sections by a cutting device such as a water jet, a laser beam, an ultrasonic cutting device, or a cutter, by moving a point of impact of the cutting device relative to the filter medium to produce a cutting line. After cutting, the filter medium is folded. Alternatively, the filter medium is folded to folds and then at least some of the folds are pulled apart at least partially. In a region of the folds which have been pulled apart, the filter medium is cut at least in some sections thereof by the cutting device by moving a point of impact of the cutting device relative to the filter medium to produce a cutting line. After cutting, the folds are reset.

A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a bulk composite core includes stabilizing the bulk composite core with a fixture, the bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members. The method also includes cutting through each of the tube members to create the wafer while the bulk composite core is stabilized by the fixture.

A process for debundling a carbon fiber tow into dispersed chopped carbon fibers suitable for usage in molding composition formulations is provided. A carbon fiber tow is fed into a die having fluid flow openings, through which a fluid impinges upon the side of the tow to expand the tow cross sectional area. The expanded cross sectional area tow extends from the die into the path of a conventional fiber chopping apparatus to form chopped carbon fibers, or through contacting tines of a mechanical debundler. Through adjustment of the relative position of fluid flow openings relative to a die bore through which fiber tow passes, the nature of the fluid impinging on the tow, the shape of the bore, in combinations thereof, an improved chopped carbon fiber dispersion is achieved. The chopped carbon fiber obtained is then available to be dispersed in molding composition formulations prior to formulation cure.

A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a bulk composite core includes stabilizing the bulk composite core with a fixture, the bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members. The method also includes cutting through each of the tube members to create the wafer while the bulk composite core is stabilized by the fixture.

A food processing system includes a food slicing machine having a control arrangement for regulating a thickness of slices cut by the machine so that they are cut according to a current value of a slice size parameter. An under-weight signal is generated which is responsive to generation of any under-weight groups of slices by the slicing machine, and an end-of-line weighing device monitors the weight of groups of slices outputted by the system and generates an end-of-line weight signal responsive thereto. The system identifies any under-weight groups of slices so that their weight can be increased by addition of a further slice before being outputted by the system. The control arrangement receives the two signals and determines the value of the slice size parameter having regard to them. The slice size parameter may be adjusted to minimize give-away by the system.

A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.