Abstract: Disclosed are a pick tip apparatus method interchanging pick tip assemblies within the same. The pick tip apparatus includes a housing having a housing channel. The apparatus further includes a fitting connected to the housing channel. The fitting is configured to accept an external vacuum source for applying a vacuum to the housing channel. The apparatus further includes a magnet and a pick tip assembly. The pick tip assembly is releasably held within the housing channel magnetically by the magnet. The pick tip assembly includes a vacuum cup and a pick tip body. The pick tip body has a pick tip body channel in communication with the housing channel and configured to apply the vacuum from the housing channel to the vacuum cup.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pick tip apparatus method interchanging pick tip assemblies within the same. The pick tip apparatus includes a housing having a housing channel. The apparatus further includes a fitting connected to the housing channel. The fitting is configured to accept an external vacuum source for applying a vacuum to the housing channel. The apparatus further includes a magnet and a pick tip assembly. The pick tip assembly is releasably held within the housing channel magnetically by the magnet. The pick tip assembly includes a vacuum cup and a pick tip body. The pick tip body has a pick tip body channel in communication with the housing channel and configured to apply the vacuum from the housing channel to the vacuum cup.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pick tip apparatus method interchanging pick tip assemblies within the same. The pick tip apparatus includes a housing having a housing channel. The apparatus further includes a fitting connected to the housing channel. The fitting is configured to accept an external vacuum source for applying a vacuum to the housing channel. The apparatus further includes a magnet and a pick tip assembly. The pick tip assembly is releasably held within the housing channel magnetically by the magnet. The pick tip assembly includes a vacuum cup and a pick tip body. The pick tip body has a pick tip body channel in communication with the housing channel and configured to apply the vacuum from the housing channel to the vacuum cup.

Abstract: A wax tree assembly heating system for heating wax on the surface of a wax component is provided. The system includes an elongated bar of heat conducting material, having a heating surface, and a heating element for heating the heating surface. The heating surface is configured to contact a wax component, such as a wax runner or a gate of a wax pattern, and has a space for retaining molten wax when the heating surface contacts a surface of the wax component. In another embodiment, the wax tree assembly heating system has a plurality of raised heating surfaces that are configured for producing molten wax on a plurality of areas on one or more surfaces of at least one wax component. Additionally, an electrical circuit is provided which includes a heating element and a temperature controller to control the temperature at which wax is melted.

Abstract: A knife for heating the wax on the surface of a wax runner. The knife as a surface which is recessed in the center of the surface to permit melted wax to flow up into the recessed area and not flow away from the knife. Alternately, conformal heating surface which melts only that portion of the wax runner to which the pattern gate is affixed. Additionally an electrical circuit is provided which includes a heater and a temperature controller to limit the temperature at which wax is melted.

Abstract: A wax runner is provided having risers along the edge of the surface which is melted to attach the wax gates of wax patterns to the wax runner. The risers prevent the flow of molten wax over the edge of the wax runner. In addition to the risers or separately, at least one locator extends from both ends of the wax runners, the locators are aligned with one another and assure a constant distance between the ends of the wax runner and the wax pattern being affixed to it. The locators further provide a fixed reference point.

Abstract: A wax runner is provided having risers along the edge of the surface which is melted to attach the wax gates of wax patterns to the wax runner. The risers prevent the flow of molten wax over the edge of the wax runner. In addition to the risers or separately, at least one locator extends from both ends of the wax runners, the locators are aligned with one another and assure a constant distance between the ends of the wax runner and the wax pattern being affixed to it. The locators further provide a fixed reference point.

Abstract: A knife for heating the wax on the surface of a wax runner. The knife as a surface which is recessed in the center of the surface to permit melted wax to flow up into the recessed area and not flow away from the knife. Alternately, conformal heating surface which melts only that portion of the wax runner to which the pattern gate is affixed. Additionally an electrical circuit is provided which includes a heater and a temperature controller to limit the temperature at which wax is melted.