Abstract: A thimble 61 formed with graduations 65 and numerals 67 on the outer circumference thereof at predetermined intervals is molded by double-color molding using two kinds of resin 62, 63 with different colors. After a molding product having the graduations 65 protruding outwardly on the outer circumference of a base tube 64 is formed of the resin 62, an outer skin 66 covering the outside of the base tube 64 except for the graduations 65 is formed of the resin 63. Thereafter, the numerals 67 is formed on the outer skin 66 by means of laser marking. Similarly, an outer sleeve is formed with graduations and numerals on the outer circumferential surface along the axial direction at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A plastic pipe has a multiple layer wall construction including major and minor wall portions. The major wall portions are formed with first corrugations and are separated from one another by the minor wall portions which are formed with second corrugations and a bowed wall part which is of the same diameter as the first corrugations. The second corrugations are smaller in diameter than both the first corrugations and the bowed wall pipe. The wall construction is cut at the bowed wall part to produce two pipe sections which couple with one another. One of those pipe sections has an open ended bell converted from the bowed wall pipe and the other pipe section has a male spigot formed by the second corrugations of the wall construction.

Abstract: A method of preparing smooth, watertight concrete in-ground pool surfaces. The present invention includes the steps of preparing a pool site by digging an appropriately sized ditch, preparing a concrete mixture and filling the ditch with the concrete to form a structure. The concrete surface is treated with an appropriate finish and allowed to cure. After the concrete completely hardens, a curing membrane can be added to the hardened concrete to maintain the moisture content. A grinding tool is then used to grind away the topmost layer of concrete in order to expose the aggregates. No additional laminate or coating is necessary since the grinding process results in a smooth, watertight permanent finish desirable in pool surfaces. Further, aggregates, which are present in the original concrete mixture, can be exposed after appropriate grinding, thereby eliminating the step of applying a second layer of concrete, and allowing the pool designer to create aggregate-based design patterns on the pool surface.

Abstract: A cover peeling machine comprises a pair of rolls (39) and (39). The roll (39) has an almost conical shape. Both of the rolls (39) and (39) are rotated in a reverse direction. The direction of the rotation is an inward direction as seen from above. A golf ball (9) is put close to a tip of the roll. In the vicinity of the tip, a distance between a nip of the roll (39) and the golf ball (9) is short. Therefore, a clip portion formed on the golf ball (9) can be easily bitten between the rolls (39). With the rotation of the roll (39), a cover is peeled from a core. A groove formed on a surface of the roll (39) can prevent the roll (39) and the cover from slipping. After the removal, the cover and the core are recycled respectively.

Abstract: A press die made of concrete having a surface layer bonded to the concrete, and a method manufacturing the same. A concrete member 60A is hardened through steam-curing. Thereafter, a surface material layer 70 is formed on a pressing surface of the concrete member 60A utilizing the aggregate 65 in the hardened concrete member 60A as an anchor.

Abstract: A method of forming an air bag release score line in a material by forming a ridge in the material along the line to be scored. By heat scoring the material along the ridge a ridge-induced twist prevents the formation of a witness line.

Abstract: A method for forming a fitting at an end of a braid-reinforced silicone tube. A short length of the outer layer surrounding the braiding is removed and the exposed braiding is folded back over a first silicone ring and then a second silicone ring is placed over the folded-over braiding. The end of the tube is then placed in a mold which is then filled with liquid silicone. After the silicone is heated and cured, a unitary structure of tube and fitting results. Since the braiding is part of the unitary structure, it cannot be pulled out, thereby increasing the reliability of tube and fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing at least a portion of the urinary tract to prevent the unwanted discharge of urine includes a body member with a tubular member, encircled along its length by an overcoat layer, that encases a fluid, forming a cavity. The body member, with its tubular member and overcoat layer are elastically deformable from an initial “rest” or “relaxed” state, when outside of the body, where at least a portion of the overcoat layer is of a diameter equal to or greater than that of an undilated urethra. A stylet may be placed into the tubular member to serve as a guide, for elongation of the body member and to provide rigidly to the body member upon insertion into the urinary tract. There is also disclosed a method for making the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A maskless patterning apparatus allows for laser beam ablation of one or more layers of material while not etching an underlying different material layer. A micromirror array produces the desired complex pattern on the workpiece and a continuous feature and end point detection system provides location and material parameter changes to accurately control the pattern position and depth of etching. End point detection includes monitoring energy reflected from a specially prepared replica of the material to be ablated, whose thickness and consistency match the active workpiece area. The process terminates when the proper amount of material is removed.

Abstract: A form-fitting cast-on enclosure arrangement has parallel chucking surfaces for the fixing of metallic workpieces with irregular contours to be processed. A process is provided for the manufacturing and separating of the enclosure arrangement. The enclosure arrangement is made of plastic material and consists of several spaced ribs which are connected by webs. The enclosure arrangement has the advantage that workpieces with irregular contours can be enclosed in a cost-effective and fast manner and can be finished or repaired.

Abstract: A method for laser marking one or more colors on a plastic substrate is disclosed. A polymeric blend or mixture comprising two or more polymeric systems is utilized to produce a molded component. The various polymeric systems are heated to form a polymeric blend or mixture that is in a molten flowable state. The polymeric mixture is then shaped into the desired end product, preferably by injection molding. While molding, the polymeric mixture separates according to the different densities of the polymers; with the lightest density polymers migrating toward the inner surface of the mold and the heavier density polymers centralizing within the interior of the mold. The lightest density polymer forms the outer surface of the molded product, which may essentially constitute an outer layer coating disposed around the other polymeric systems. Upon removal of the cured layered product, the skin layer is then preferably ablated using a laser to expose the polymers of desired color beneath the outer layer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a concrete product having a retroreflective surface with uniform and sharp edge which is produced easily with shortened time without using a special equipment or process as well as chemicals which need special attention in handling. The disclosure also establishes a method to obtain the substrate consisting of a concrete-based material and a retroreflective element dispersed and embedded at least in a surface portion of said substrate, at least a part of which element is exposed from a surface of said substrate and the said retroreflective element being exposed from the substrate surface as a result of partially retarded hardening of the said concrete-based material and removal of the thus produced, unhardened concrete material.

Abstract: A surface processing method by blowing submicron particles is disclosed, in which submicron particles are blown against a surface of a work to deposit a layer of the material of the particles on a surface of the work, or etching the surface of the work.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a balloon catheter.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a keypad for a contact character illumination rubber switch composed of a surface enriched in color design variations is provided. The method includes forming a black or gray intermediate layer (3) on a surface portion of a color keypad member (1) for a contact character illumination switch of the mobile communication system, electric equipment components for cars or the like. A colored surface layer (4) is formed thereon with any color. A laser beam is applied from the upper side thereof for burning up and removing the intermediate layer and the colored surface layer.

Abstract: A polyurethane material is injected into a mold cavity having a reduced pressure to form e.g. the surface portion of a polyurethane covering for a steering wheel. A polyurethane material for forming a substantial inner portion thereof and free of any coloring matter is, then, injected into the cavity. Then, a polyurethane material containing coloring matter is injected into the cavity to form the remaining inner portion of the covering.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a double walled vessel is herein disclosed. The method involves the steps of forming an outer vessel having at least one reassembly channel formed therearound and forming an inner vessel having at least one element fitting formed integral thereto. At least one control housing is secured to the outer surface of the inner shell in registration with the element fitting. Heating elements and other control apparatus are installed in the element fittings within the control boxes. The outer vessel is sectioned at the reassembly channel, thereby allowing the inner vessel to be inserted into the outer vessel. The outer vessel is reassembled to enclose the inner vessel therein and a curable foam material is injected into the space between the inner and outer vessels to maintain a constant spatial relationship therebetween and to ensure the structural integrity of the outer vessel.

Abstract: A flexible film interface includes a flexible film; flexible material attached to a portion of the flexible film; surface metallization on the flexible material, the flexible film having at least one via extending therethrough to the surface metallization; and a floating pad structure including floating pad metallization patterned over the flexible material and the surface metallization, a first portion of the floating pad metallization forming a central pad and a second portion of the floating pad metallization forming at least one extension from the central pad and extending into the at least one via.

Abstract: A polymeric film includes at least one irradiated water soluble layer. A process for making a water soluble film includes the steps of extruding a water soluble film; and irradiating the water soluble film. Using electron beam irradiation, a water soluble film's solubility rate can be increased.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, strong and durable casting that has a surface appearance simulating carved stone, and is especially adapted for use as a transition between a brick or stone wall and window and door openings. Further, it provides architectural detail to building constructions, especially as a surround for window and door openings. The casting is produced from a mixture of graded aggregates and a resin binder, combined in predetermined proportions to make a soupy mixture that is cast in a mold. The mold is vibrated to cause migration of air bubbles away from the surface of the molded product, and to cause realignment and orientation of the aggregate materials in a way to enhance the structure and surface density of the product. After the casting has set, it is removed from the mold and cured and the surface is sandblasted to erode away some of the resin binder and portions of the aggregate at the surface to produce an appearance that is an accurate simulation of carved stone.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ribbed vulcanized transmission belt having an elastomer cushion layer and an elastomer compression layer in which reinforcing fibers are embedded, wherein the method comprises forming a blank having at least a cushion layer and a compression layer, molding the blank under pressure in a mold provided with an imprint of a plurality of ribs, vulcanizing the blank, and machining off surplus material to uncover protruding ends of the reinforcing fibers in at least one region of each rib. In the vicinity of the surfaces of the ribs, the mean direction of the reinforcing fibers is substantially tangential to the surfaces of the ribs.

Abstract: A method by which to easily and inexpensively make a matched set of male and female embossing dies so that articles can be embossed in an arts and crafts environment. Upper and lower sheets of adhesive are applied to opposite faces of a substrate, and each adhesive layer is covered with a paper backing to form a sandwich with the substrate secured between the upper and lower sheets. A design to be embossed is then cut through the sandwich. A portion of the backing covering the upper adhesive sheet is removed to expose an area of the adhesive, and a first die plate is bonded to the upper sheet. A different portion of the backing covering the lower adhesive sheet is removed to expose an area of the adhesive, and a second die plate is bonded to the lower sheet.

Abstract: An insulating-resin dam bar made of ultraviolet-curing epoxy resin with a low adhesiveness to a leadframe is applied onto an outer lead by screen printing. After the leadframe is sealed with resin, the insulating-resin dam bar is removed by wet honing such as water-jet honing or laser irradiation. Thereafter, a resin-sealed semiconductor device is finished through normal fabrication processes.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method and an apparatus for removing a cover from a golf ball. There is used a pair of geared rolls in an engaged manner, each geared roll comprising a cylindrical shaft on which teeth are axially formed and are circumferentially arranged at predetermined pitches. After the pair of geared rolls are rotated, the golf ball is placed on the upstream side of rotation of the geared rolls, so that part of the cover of the golf ball is bitten between the geared rolls. The cover bitten between the geared rolls is advanced by a rotational force of the geared rolls and is drawn out to the downstream side of rotation of the geared rolls. In this way, the core and cover of the golf ball are separated from each other. Accordingly, the cover can be mechanically removed from the golf ball with improved efficiency, so that the efficiency of work for recycling golf balls can be improved, and the amount of golf balls disposed as industrial waste can be reduced.

Abstract: In a method of forming a catheter having an inner layer, an intermediate braided layer and an outer jacket, wherein the intermediate braided layer terminates axially before the inner layer, leaving a forward end portion of the inner layer exposed, the steps of:a) before applying the outer jacket, loading a plastic sleeve over a forward end of the intermediate braided layer adjacent the forward end portion of the inner layer;b) heating the plastic sleeve to a temperature sufficient to melt the plastic sleeve;c) loading a terminal tip having an axial length over a forward end portion of the inner layer into abutting relationship with the forward end of the intermediate braided layer such that the terminal tip is supported by the forward end portion of the inner layer along all of the axial length of the terminal tip and not reinforced anywhere along the axial length by the intermediate braided layer;d) loading the outer jacket over the braided layer;e) loading a shrink tube over the outer jacket; andf) heating

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a rigid circuit board has a circuit board with a reduced thickness in a bend region. The bend region may have several layers of laminate and conductive material. The circuit board is heated to the glass transition temperature which allows the circuit board to become flexible. The apparatus has a clamping member and a stationary member. The clamping member uses a shape memory alloy actuator with a transition temperature about the same as the glass transition temperature of the laminate. The actuator is used to form the bend region to a predetermined shape around the stationary member. When the circuit board is cooled, the circuit board again becomes rigid in its predetermined shape.

Abstract: A tubular hollow molded body is formed with a resin having a bending resistance; the hollow molded body is inserted into a mold; a resin with less stress relaxation is injected into both ends of the hollow molded body through a connecting path to mold a bellows intermediate; the resin moved into the connecting path of the bellows intermediate is removed; and a cut is put in the hollow molded body to mold a bellows portion.

Abstract: A decorative, multi-layered article of manufacture is described having a surface with portions of the underlying layers exposed. Multiple layers of curable thermosetting resin are cast into a mold having relief portions therein, wherein each layer has a different color. The resins are cured to form a first laminate with a substantially planar out-of-mold surface and an opposing in-mold surface having relief portions therein. Multiple layers of thermosetting resin are then cast onto the first laminate in-mold surface to follow the relief portions. Each layer has a color different from the other layers. The plurality of resins are then cured to form a second laminate, and such that the first and second laminates form an integral article having a face surface with relief portions therein and an opposing substantially planar back surface. The face surface of the article is then subjected to conditions sufficient to expose portions of the layers of the first and second laminates.

Abstract: A method of removing a paint film formed on the surface of a resin material, and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. The method comprises heating the resin material having the paint film formed on the surface thereof to deform the resin material, and peeling the paint film from the resin material, and the apparatus comprises a heating means for heating the resin material having the paint film formed on the surface thereof, and a deformation means for deforming the heated resin material and peeling the paint film from the resin material. The method and the apparatus enable one to remove the paint film formed on the surface of the resin material uniformly without deterioration of the resin material and contamination with foreign materials of the resin material even in a resin material having any shape.

Abstract: In a first step, a conductive layer a1 is formed on a three-dimensionally curved upper surface of a main mold. In a second step, a peripheral surface mold is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the main mold, and a liquid dielectric of an age hardening type is cast onto the conductor layer, and hardened. In a third step, the peripheral surface mold is detached from the main mold, and an unnecessary portion of the hardened dielectric is cut to thereby form a dielectric layer. In a fourth step, another conductor layer is formed on the dielectric layer. A method comprising these steps enables a dielectric board with a voluntary three-dimensionally curved surface to be manufactured with high accuracy.

Abstract: A hollow plastic container having a finish which has a diameter less than the diameter of the body portion of the container which is made by forming a parison with a neck portion for defining the finish and a body portion and thereafter expanding the body portion to a cross section greater than the cross section of the neck portion. The neck is then trimmed by removing plastic material from the outside of the neck and from the top of the neck to form the finish to the final dimensions. In one form, the parison is a multi-layer parison in order to form a multi-layer plastic container.

Abstract: A keyboard matrix of a keyboard has drive lines including a set of lines to be selectively activated for detection of depressed keys and scan lines including a set of lines to be selectively monitored for detection of depressed keys. The keyboard matrix includes circuitry for connecting one of the drive lines with one of the scan lines for providing an identification of the keyboard.

Abstract: A method of making composite strips of millwork components, including the steps of providing a plurality of elongate strips of wood and a support sheet, adhering the strips of wood together in parallel with each other and to the support sheet to form an elongate composite sheet, and machining the composite sheet to a desired contour to form a molding strip. The method may also include the step of removing the support sheet after the machining step by machine, or by peeling, or otherwise as desired. Typically the strips of wood are of differing widths and heights. A composite molding strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a process of making a microstructured plastic mold from which structures can be formed galvanically a compound layer including an electrically conductive and an insulating layer portion is provided and is heated, and impressed into the insulating layer portion is a tool which has microstructured bodies disposed thereon of a height corresponding at least to the thickness of the insulating layer portion and with rough front surfaces having points and ridges adapted to penetrate the electrically insulating layer thereby to expose the electrically insulating layer at the bottom of the cavities formed by microstructured bodies.

Abstract: An instrument panel top cover with a seamless breakaway air bag door made as a unitary composite from multiple layers of plastics by extruding a parison with inner and outer layers of different recyclable plastics having different physical characteristics but which are from the same plastics family. The parison is injected and expanded with low pressure gas and forming dies with door scoring tools are closed thereover. The plastics will resultantly conform to the shaping surfaces of the dies to form the composite while the perimeter of the air bag door is scored. A quantity of the plastic material interior of the door score lines is removed after the top cover is removed from the dies so that a seamless or hidden door is provided that can readily break open at the peripheral scores to augment air bag operation when the air bag is triggered.

Abstract: This method for preparing micromatrices consists in applying a specially-patterned intermediate layer of laser-absorbing substance on a solid support. The configuration of the sublayer fully corresponds to the topology of the manufactured matrix. The intermediate layer is further covered by a continuous layer of gel , the gel and the material of the support being transparent towards laser radiation. The gel layer is irradiated by a laser beam for a time needed to evaporate simultaneously the gel in the places immediately above the laser-absorbing sublayer and the sublayer itself. Oligonucleotides from a chosen set are then attached to the formed gel `cells`, one oligonucleotide to each cell.This method is intended for use in biotechnology, specifically for deciphering the nucleotide sequence of DNA.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing multilayer moldings using a mold including a pair of male and female mold pieces for manufacturing a multilayer molding in which a part of its thermoplastic resin substrate surface is partially laminated with a shin material. Either the male or the female mold piece has a mold surface provided with a molten resin feeding path opening inside an area where the skin material is placed and at least one dent into which a part of or the whole skin material fringing end can be inserted, at a part of or the whole position corresponding to a fringe of the skin material to be laminated and a block to be fitted into the dent. The block is fitted into the dent so that the skin material fringing end inserted into the dent is sandwiched and fixed between an inner wall of the dent and the block and at the same time an upper surface of the block can form an even mold surface with the mold surface surrounding the dent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing resin articles with naturally formed patterns is provided. The method uses organic matter, such as portions of a fern like the "Sphaeropteris lepifera", and a resin, to be molded together and then machined into a desired shape. The inner surfaces of the upper mold section and the lower mold section are covered by aluminum foil sheets and enclose a portion of a fern, such as the "Sphaeropteris lepifera" therein. A resin is injected into the mold through an opening in one foil sheet and the mold is heated to an appropriate temperature. Subsequently, the mold is cooled by room temperature air and dried by a drying machine. The resin is removed from the mold and machined into a particular shape in accordance with a predetermined design. The shaped molded resin is smoothed by grinding or filling in uneven portions with resin. After smoothing, the molded resin is polished to provide a naturally-formed pattern on the surface thereof.

Abstract: Inorganic composite membrane containing molecular sieve crystals, comprising a macroporous support to which molecular sieve crystals and modifications thereof have been applied substantially as a monolayer, said crystals and modifications thereof having been oriented so that, toa substantial extent, the pores of the sieve crystals form a significant included angle with the support surface, there being present between the crystals a gastight matrix, at least gastight to a degree sufficient under practical conditions.

Abstract: A synthetic reinforcement having surface features that facilitate adhesion of the reinforcement to another surface and a process for making the same is disclosed. The synthetic reinforcement is comprised of a plurality of continuous fibers that are maintained in position by a resin encasement. An external surface of the synthetic reinforcement can be characterized by micro-recesses that are located in a generally random pattern, which increases the surface area of the resin encasement.

Abstract: A method for producing a weather strip having a molded end portion joined to an end of an extruded weather strip having a base portion and a tubular seal portion. The method includes the steps of cutting-off a portion of the tubular seal portion from the end of the extruded weather strip with the base portion thereof remaining uncut, placing the uncut base portion of the end of the extruded weather strip in a cavity of a mold, placing a core along the uncut base portion, injecting a molding material into the cavity to mold a tubular part having a configuration conforming to the cut off tubular seal portion integrally with a fin-like end part extending from the tubular part, opening the mold, and removing the core from the tubular part along a reverse face of the fin-like end part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped article made from concrete, artificial stone, ceramic, metal, plastic, etc. and having a minute and beautiful pattern expressed on part or all of the surface thereof by a pattern course of a prescribed thickness. This shaped article is produced by forming at least two superposed courses of different dry particles on a base surface, moving a scraper located at a prescribed position above the base surface in accordance with a pattern to be expressed so as to scrape at least the lowermost course, allowing the dry particles of the upper course to cave into a cavity thus formed, thereby expressing the pattern on the bottom surface of the lowermost course, and allowing all the particles to set into an integral mass, either as they are or after the top surface of the uppermost course is made even or overlaid with a backing course.

Abstract: A method of producing shaped articles of artificial stone, ceramics, metal, plastic and the like, each having a fine, attractive pattern on part or all of the surface thereof formed in a pattern course of a prescribed thickness. The shaped article is produced by forming a dry particle course on a base surface, positioning a scraper at a prescribed point on the base surface, moving the scraper in accordance with the pattern to be expressed, and using a different type of particles to fill the cavity thus formed by the scraper, and allowing the particles to set into an integral mass, either as they are or after being overlaid with a backing course.

Abstract: Here is a method of construction of a multi-storey building comprising the following steps: positioning precast side slab walls on the site; each slab wall defining outer and inner wall surfaces with the inner wall surface being inclusive of a plurality of inwardly-extending cavities; positioning one or more precast floor slabs each being of appropriate dimensions for a respective floor of the building; each floor slab having secured thereon or therein one or more retaining means; engaging each retaining means in an adjacent cavity to position the floor slab as required; and securing the so-engaged retaining means such that the respective floor slab is secured relative to the side walls.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integral multilayer foam board with concave/convex surface and multiple colors. The method includes steps of placing a multilayer foam body having multiple colors into a heating means to be heated and softened at a temperature within 130.degree. C. to 170.degree. C., placing the multilayer foam body onto a mold and pressed thereinto to be molded with multiple convex portions defined by concave frame lines, partially planing the convex portion of the foam body, and placing the planed foam body into the heating means to be re-heated at a temperature within 100.degree. C. to 140.degree. C., making the convex portions form concave portions and the frame lines become convex.

Abstract: A patterned shaped article is produced by a method which includes the steps of supplying a first material onto a given surface until the first material forms a layer of predetermined thickness, removing part of the layer to form at least one concave portion in the layer, filling the at least one concave portion with at least one kind of second material different in color and quality from the first material, and causing the first and second materials to set into an integral mass. When the first material is dry, the second material may be either dry or wet. When the first material is wet, the second material is dry and the moisture of the first wet material is absorbed before the step of removing part of the layer of the first material.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned shaped circle includes the steps of forming a course of dry particles on a base surface; using an air flow controller having either a suction port or a blow port or both a suction port and a blow port to cause an air flow to form a cavity in the dry particle course by removing a part of the particles thereof under the control of at least one parameter among air pressure, air flow rate, air flow speed, air flow direction, air flow pulsation, air flow intermittence, suction port size, blow port size, suction port position and blow port position; charging the cavity with a different type of dry particles; and allowing the particles to set into an integral mass.

Abstract: A hollow plastic container having a finish which has a diameter less than the diameter of the body portion of the container which is made by forming a parison with a neck portion for defining the finish and a body portion and thereafter expanding the body portion to a cross section greater than the cross section of the neck portion. The neck is then trimmed by removing plastic material from the outside of the neck and from the top of the neck to form the finish to the final dimensions. In one form, the prison is a multi-layer parison in order to form a multi-layer plastic container.

Abstract: A ceramic green sheet for a laminated ceramic capacitor is formed on an upper surface of a carrier film and carried onto a surface plate while maintaining adhesion between the carrier film and the ceramic green sheet. Thereafter a cutting line having a closed outline is defined in the ceramic green sheet and a sheet cut enclosed by the cutting line is taken out by a pickup apparatus having a punching edge in its periphery and provided with a suction head in a portion enclosed by the punching edge.

Abstract: The artificial tooth blanks made by series production involve a dentin-colored fired dental ceramic composition including a previously compression-molded hard core and optionally a retention, wherein the size of the artificial tooth blank is reduced over that of the corresponding finished artificial tooth and the artificial tooth blanks do not contain an enamel layer. The retention may involve one or more high-melting shells incorporated by firing and containing high-melting retention pins soldered therein after firing, wherein the retention pins as well as the solder are stable under the melting conditions for dental ceramic compositions for bridges and crowns, and especially so in the presence of air as well.