Abstract: A method of manufacturing a two-piece or composite graphite blank applicable for EDM or other similar needs. The composite electrode will combine a low cost backer substrate material manufactured to size for fixture holding without additional machining for attachment with a high cost material sufficient for the EDM process. The two pieces will be physically attached by an adhesive suitable for bonding graphite or copper impregnated graphite. The pre no-machining backer material sized for fixture holding reduces waste and machining costs for end users.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating graphite material usage and labor pricing including the following parameters: category, material, class, dimensions, and quantity. The information is used for improved efficiency via web-based graphite purchasing. The method takes into consideration the additional labor cost when very small dimensions are entered which require special work holding containment. The process requires that the user make a selection for each of the parameters so a validation step can occur ensuring the desired product can be manufactured and an accurate labor charge or quote can be provided. During the calculation step, the labor surface area is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area which is derived from a second degree equation derived by a linear regression curve that is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area. After the calculation step the price each and total quantity price is returned.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating graphite material usage and labor pricing including the following parameters: category, material, class, dimensions, and quantity. The information is used for improved efficiency via web-based graphite purchasing. The method takes into consideration the additional labor cost when very small dimensions are entered which require special work holding containment. The process requires that the user make a selection for each of the parameters so a validation step can occur ensuring the desired product can be manufactured and an accurate labor charge or quote can be provided. During the calculation step, the labor surface area is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area which is derived from a second degree equation derived by a linear regression curve that is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area. After the calculation step the price each and total quantity price is returned.

Abstract: The present invention is to an improvement in accoutrements for a patio deck. In particular, the present invention provides a corner pot holder. The corner pot holder is of unitary construction. Unitary construction allows the corner pot holder may be stamped from a piece of metal or may be molded from plastic. The corner pot holder permits the flower pots held by the corner pot holder to drain thus avoiding stagnant water.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for finish machining forged and/or rough-cut teeth (8) of a ring gear (40) by which a rotary tool such as a rotary carbide milling tool (24) is rotated about a rotational axis "r" that projectionally intersects a bottom surface (12) of tooth (8) as it tracks along a predetermined tool path enabling the rotary tool to be in close proximity to sidewalls (14 and 14') of teeth (8) and thereby eliminating the practice of having to normalize the ring gear microstructure prior to machining teeth (8).