Abstract: Control systems for indenters used in cold working processes, and in particular, for StressWave cold working of metal workpieces. Load on an indenter is increased by increasing the force applied, such as by pressure in a hydraulic reservoir acting on a piston. When the load reaches a desired limit, as may be calibrated by the pressure in the fluid reservoir responsive to the piston being driven by the indenter, then a pressure relief valve allows the fluid to flow from the cylinder to a hydraulic reservoir, thus allowing the indenter shaft to move away from the workpiece. Then, on recycle of the apparatus, an automatic control system reacts to such movement and pumps fluid back to the reservoir, and thus returns the indenter shaft to a pre-determined position. In one embodiment, the pressure relief valve is integrated into, or attached to, the indenter. Other embodiments are disclosed for control of various compound or simple indenters.

Abstract: A rigid or semi-rigid reinforcement member is inserted into or over the damaged portion of an injured tendon or ligament. The tendon or ligament is connected to the reinforcement member such that the cord-member combination can immediately withstand normal tensile forces. The interconnection can be mechanical, such as by pins extending through the sleeve reinforcement member and cord. The sleeve can be bioabsorbable over a sufficiently long period of time that the cord is healed by the time the sleeve is absorbed.

Abstract: The damaged portion of an injured tendon or ligament (C) ("connective cord") is inserted into a thin, hollow sleeve (100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 160, 180, 200, 240, 260, 270, 300, 390, generically designated "S") and is connected to the sleeve (S) such that the cord-sleeve combination can immediately withstand normal tensile forces. The interconnection can be mechanical, such as by pins (22, 22',148, 150, 164, 188, 190, 206, 206', 210, 226, 230, 238, 239, 266, 286, 308) extending through the sleeve (S) and cord (C). The sleeve (S) can be bioabsorbable over a sufficiently long period of time that the cord (C) is healed by the time the sleeve (S) is absorbed.

Abstract: The damaged portion of an injured tendon or ligament (C) ("connective cord") is inserted into a thin, hollow sleeve (100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 160, 180, 200, 240, 260, 270, 300, 390, generically designated "S") and is connected to the sleeve (S) such that the cord-sleeve combination can immediately withstand normal tensile forces. the interconnection can be mechanical, such as by pins (22, 22', 148, 150, 164, 188, 190, 206, 206', 210, 226, 230, 238, 239, 266, 286, 308) extending through the sleeve (S) and cord (C). The sleeve (S) can be bioabsorbable over a sufficiently long period of time that the cord (C) is healed by the time the sleeve (S) is absorbed.

Abstract: An apparatus for tufting yarn in a backing comprising a yarn applicator for penetrating the backing and implanting the yarn therein and an electric motor for supplying a predetermined length of the yarn to the yarn applicator. The electric motor is operable to selectively advance the predetermined length of yarn to the yarn applicator, and alternatively, hold the yarn or retract the yarn from the applicator. Desirably, the electric motor is a stepper motor, and more desirably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of stepper motors for selectively feeding yarns to a row of reciprocable hollow tufting needles for producing a patterned tufted product. According to one aspect, the tufting apparatus composes a modular supply system and a corresponding modular control system. Pattern information and timing signals are sent to modular yarn control units by a remote process control computer system.