Abstract: A process is disclosed for the electro-refinement of titanium aluminides to produce titanium-aluminum master alloys which process is effective even in the presence of substantial amounts of aluminum and in the presence of ten (10) or more weight percent oxygen in the material(s) to be refined. The process is likewise effective without the addition of titanium chlorides or other forms of soluble titanium to the electrolyte bath comprising halide salts of alkali metals or alkali-earth metals or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable connector for connecting the terminal ends of two fiber optic cables having termini of respective ones of multiple optical fibers included within said cables. The connector has a termini with a pin body that includes a flat alignment surface at the rear of the main body. The pin body is received in a bore of an insert body. The forward face of the insert body has a shoulder that partially obstructs the bore and aligns with the flat alignment surfaces of the pin body. The shoulder and flat alignment surface cooperate to ensure that the termini is properly inserted into the bore so that an angled forward contact surface of the termini is properly aligned with the angled forward contact surface of a mating termini of another connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable connector for connecting the terminal ends of two fiber optic cables having termini of respective ones of multiple optical fibers included within said cables. The connector has a termini with a pin body that includes a flat alignment surface at the rear of the main body. The pin body is received in a bore of an insert body. The forward face of the insert body has a shoulder that partially obstructs the bore and aligns with the flat alignment surfaces of the pin body. The shoulder and flat alignment surface cooperate to ensure that the termini is properly inserted into the bore so that an angled forward contact surface of the termini is properly aligned with the angled forward contact surface of a mating termini of another connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the preparation of a semi-solid material in a mixing sleeve of a casting apparatus, the semi-solid material formed from a molten material after a mixing and a cooling thereof in the mixing sleeve wherein a handling of the semi-solid material is minimized.

Abstract: A hammer having a hammer head and a cap removably slidably fitted to the hammer head. A biasable pad for absorbing shock is positioned between the cap and the hammer head. A cross-pin connects the cap and hammer head while permitting slidable movement therebetween.

Abstract: Retaining means for holding a fastening cross-pin that holds a removable cap mounted to a pole of a hammer thus providing a selected type of cap impact face for the hammer head. The cap forms a chamber and the pole is removably slidably fitted into the pole chamber. The fastening cross-pin is removably positioned in cap pin holes in the cap cylindrical wall and to a pole pin hole so as to removably secure the cap to the pole and also so as to allow the pole to move relative to the cap in the longitudinal dimension between an impact mode position of the cap impact face against a workpiece and a static mode position of the cap impact face remote from the workpiece. A biasable pad for absorbing shock is positioned within the chamber formed in the cap between the cap impact face and the pole. The fastening cross-pin extends through the pole pin hole and is connected to the cap side walls.