Abstract: A method of machining a curved blade retention slot with electron discharge machining.

Abstract: A double-faced blister pack and frame assembly for packaging and displaying an article of merchandise. The article is sandwiched between a pair of superposed, transparent plastic sheets whose central regions are molded to generally conform to the opposite faces of the article, the four superposed margins of the sheets each defining a flange. The frame is formed of a cardboard strip that is so die-cut and folded as to create a chain of four interhinged branches each having a triangular truss cross section whose base chord is the outer wall of the frame and whose central strut is constituted by parallel walls extending from the apex of the triangle to the base chord to form a narrow slot. Socketed in the slot of each branch is the corresponding flange of the pack whereby the pack is supported by the frame, and the opposite faces of the article which lie within the frame are both exposed to a prospective purchaser who is able to fully examine the article without having to break open the package to do so.

Abstract: An oral implant for supporting an artificial tooth structure includes an implant portion that has a transverse slit at an obtuse angle to the side wall such that two facing surfaces are created. By squeezing the surfaces toward each other, the surfaces make contact and slide along each other so as to laterally separate the two parts of the implant portion. This causes the implant portion to become tightly wedged in a groove in a patient's bone along the occlusal plane. Additionally, the implant includes a neck portion with a rotatable threaded collar that couples to threads on a cap to which the artificial tooth structure is secured. As a result, the tooth structure can be removed without damage to it or to the implant.

Abstract: An oral implant for supporting an artificial tooth structure includes an implant portion which is buried in the bone of the patient along the occlusal plane. A neck portion extends from the side of the implant portion remote from the groove and receives a post portion on which the artificial tooth structure is cemented. Means are provided on the neck portion so as to cause it to become wedged within a cavity of the overlying post portion, thereby releasably locking the post to the neck portion. As a result of this arrangement, a bridge structure can be removed from an implant without having to destroy the bridge.