Tool Tested as a Bomb ‘Can Opener’-December 2, 1960

An “ultrasonic can opener” for opening steel-encased unexploded bombs without generating excessive heat is being studied by engineers at its commercial apparatus and systems division plant in Norwood, the Raytheon Co. announced this week.

The engineers are experimenting with what is called a “silent sound” tool under a contract from the U.S. Navy’s Bureau of Weapons.

Ultrasonic impact grinders are now widely used in industry to cut hard and brittle materials. A tooltip, moving up and down 25,000 times a second, drives an abrasive liquid against the work to be cut. Although the tool itself never touches the work, the tiny particles in the liquid cut the work to an accuracy of two 10,000ths of an inch.

Fri, Dec 2, 1960 – The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts)

More Norwood Business History

Kline’s Department Store Shutting Its Doors in Downtown Norwood-November 6, 1994

Downtown Norwood loses its primary Washington Street retail anchor as Kline’s Department Store begins liquidation, leaving 30 employees displaced and local officials working to preserve commercial vitality.
Washington Street Partnership Discusses Future of Downtown Anchor Kline’s Department Store-October 27, 1994

Facing the potential year-end closure of longtime anchor Kline’s department store, the Norwood Washington Street Partnership and landlord Donald Malkin discussed downtown revitalization strategies.
Downtown Norwood Anchor Kline’s Department Store Faces Imminent Closure by Year’s End Without a Buyer-October 26, 1994

Kline’s Department Store, a 20-year downtown Norwood anchor employing 30 workers, faces closure by the end of 1994 unless a buyer emerges for the 26-store chain.
Norwood Store Still Spins Sales with 45s-October 5, 1992

Peter’s Records One Stop on Route 1 in Norwood continues to thrive as a half-million-dollar wholesale business specializing in vinyl 45s, oldies, and jukebox supplies.
Ice-Cream Vendor Disputes Fees Demanded by Norwood Arts Council-July 18, 1991

The dispute involved allegations of intimidation, Open Meeting Law concerns, and tensions over who is permitted to sell goods on the Norwood Common.
Butters Family Sells Pharmacy-July 20, 1990

A significant chapter in the history of South Norwood business and family legacy came to an end on July 20, 1990. The Butters family pharmacy, a staple in the community for over four decades, ceased operations after Helen Butters, the selectman’s mother and president of the family business, decided to sell the pharmaceutical stock and…
Landmark Town Square Diner Heavily Damaged in Early Morning Kitchen Fire-October 25, 1989

A kitchen fire sparked by a faulty refrigerator motor heavily damaged the Town Square Diner on Nahatan Street, a downtown Norwood landmark owned by George Karafotias for 35 years.
Business Leaders Question “Anti-Commerce” Town Direction-August 15, 1989

Following a 2-2 selectmen vote denying a food license for a $1 million Taco Bell on Route 1, the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce warned of an anti-business trend.
Puritan Furniture Draws Smaller Crowd and Steady Bargain Hunters-September 8, 1988

The second day of the federal bankruptcy court-ordered liquidation auction at Puritan Furniture on Lenox Street brings smaller crowds, heavy bargain hunting, and minor shopper disputes.
McDonald’s Requests Special Permit for Broadway Drive-Through Window-September 2, 1987

An attorney representing the McDonald’s restaurant located at 32 Broadway in Norwood Center appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeal to request a special permit for the installation of a drive-through window. If approved, it would become the fourth drive-through facility established at local fast-food establishments following a contentious town meeting vote in May that…