Abstract: A machine and method for forming a spring coil in a length of hollow, cylindrical thermoplastic tubing comprises clamping the ends of a predetermined length of cylindrical thermoplastic tubing between first and second opposing spaced clamping members. In the machine, these clamping members include aligned first and second sections of a mandrel. These first and second clamping members then are rotated relative to one another by a predetermined amount selected to be slightly in excess of 360°, while the mandrels are simultaneously moved toward one another, to shorten the distance between the ends of the length of tubing, while the coil is formed. At the end of this relative rotation, the mandrel sections engage one another. The clamped tube, with the coil now formed around the mandrels, is rotated and simultaneously heated to the thermosetting temperature of the tubing. After a sufficient time to establish thermosetting of the coil, the heat is removed. Rotation continues while the tube is cooled.

Abstract: A method for forming a spring coil in a length of hollow, cylindrical thermoplastic tubing comprises clamping the ends of a predetermined length of cylindrical thermoplastic tubing between first and second opposing spaced clamping members. The first and second clamping members then are rotated relative to one another by a predetermined amount selected to be slightly in excess of 360°, while the mandrels are simultaneously moved toward one another, to shorten the distance between the ends of the length of tubing, while the coil is formed. The clamped tube, with the coil now formed around the mandrels, is rotated and simultaneously heated to the thermosetting temperature of the tubing. After a sufficient time to establish thermosetting of the coil, the heat is removed; the tube is cooled and released from the machine.

Abstract: A joint implant is presented having an elongated cylindrical member with an annular spacer which accommodates the diameter of the cylindrical member by fitting loosely over the cylindrical member. The ends of the elongated cylindrical member are designed for insertion into the intramedullary canals of adjacent bones while the annular spacer is designed to cushion the joint and maintain proper spacing between the bones.

Abstract: A microwave browning ware (10) comprises a body (11) formed of a member transparent to microwave energy having a base (16) and a sidewall (18), the sidewall carrying an inwardly directed shelf (22); a metallic pan (12) having an upper cooking surface (39) and a lower surface (42) and having an edge (23) adapted to be supported by the shelf and maintain a clearance (28) from the sidewall. A heating matrix (13) absorbent to microwave energy is cured to the lower surface of the metallic pan, a binder material (14) is located between the edge of the pan and the shelf capable of withstanding the heat from the metallic pan without melting or degrading, resulting from the absorption of microwave energy by the heating matrix and, a cavity (36) is formed between the metallic pan and the base which houses the heating matrix therein. A method for the manufacture of such browning ware is also provided.