Abstract: A tooling assembly, including an elongated ceramic member having a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end, a plurality of spaced protuberances extending from the elongated proximal end, at least one groove formed in the proximal end, and an elongated polymer member enveloping the distal end. The overlap of the elongated polymer member and the elongated ceramic member defines a joint. The joint has a tensile strength of at least 11121 Newtons.

Abstract: Improved capsule segments for the holding, filling, compaction, and sealing of pharmacological capsules which include a steel base having one or more sleeve segments lined with one or more of ceramic, PTFE, metal-detectable ceramic, or another advanced material. When the lining material becomes worn it may be removed and replaced allowing the steel base to be returned to service.

Abstract: Tooling assemblies having a metal portion with a proximal and distal end and a ceramic portion having a proximal and distal end. The proximal end of the ceramic portion being engaged with the distal end of the metal portion by an interference fit. The tooling assemblies may be reconditioned by replacing a worn ceramic portion with a new ceramic portion.

Abstract: A tooling assembly, including an elongated ceramic member having a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end, a plurality of spaced protuberances extending from the elongated proximal end, at least one groove formed in the proximal end, and an elongated polymer member enveloping the distal end. The overlap of the elongated polymer member and the elongated ceramic member defines a joint. The joint has a tensile strength of at least 11121 Newtons.

Abstract: A tooling assembly, including a cermet tooling body and a plastic support structure operationally connected to the cermet tooling body. The plastic support structure at least partially encapsulates the cermet tooling body. The plastic support structure includes a plastic matrix portion and a plurality of high magnetic permeability metallic particles distributed throughout the plastic matrix portion. Each respective high magnetic permeability metallic particle has a magnetic permeability of at least 0.0001 H/m and each respective high magnetic permeability metallic particle has a relative magnetic permeability of about 8000. The plastic matrix portion is selected from the group consisting of high molecular mass polymers, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, amorphous plastics, crystalline plastics, resin-based materials, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A tooling assembly, including an elongated ceramic member having a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end, a plurality of spaced protuberances extending from the elongated proximal end, at least one groove formed in the proximal end, and an elongated polymer member enveloping the distal end. The overlap of the elongated polymer member and the elongated ceramic member defines a joint. The joint has a tensile strength of at least 11121 Newtons.

Abstract: A tooling assembly, including an elongated ceramic member having a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end, a plurality of spaced protuberances extending from the elongated proximal end, at least one groove formed in the proximal end, and an elongated polymer member enveloping the distal end. The overlap of the elongated polymer member and the elongated ceramic member defines a joint. The joint has a tensile strength of at least 11121 Newtons.

Abstract: A tooling assembly, including a cermet tool body and an electrically nonconductive polymer support body at least partially encapsulating the cermet tool body. The cermet tool body and electrically nonconductive polymer body further include a plurality of high magnetic permeability metallic particles distributed therethrough. Each respective high magnetic permeability metallic particle has a magnetic permeability of at least 0.0001 H/m. Each respective high magnetic permeability metallic particle has a relative permeability of at least 100.

Abstract: A metal detectible plastic material, including a plurality of plastic particles defining a plastic portion and a plurality of high magnetic permeability metallic particles distributed throughout the plastic portion to define an admixture. The plastic particles and the metallic particles are generally the same size and shape, and each respective high magnetic permeability metallic particle has a magnetic permeability of at least 0.0001 H/m. The plastic particles are selected from the group consisting of high molecular mass polymers, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, amorphous plastics, crystalline plastics, resin-based materials, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A cermet body, including a ceramic portion and a plurality of high magnetic permeability magnetic metallic particles distributed throughout the ceramic portion. Each respective high magnetic permeability magnetic metallic particle has a magnetic permeability of at least 0.0001 H/m. The magnetic metallic particles define a contiguous metallic phase, wherein the cermet body enjoys sufficient bulk electrical conductivity to be machined via electrical discharge machining.

Abstract: A tooling assembly, including a cermet tool body and an electrically nonconductive polymer support body at least partially encapsulating the cermet tool body. The cermet tool body and electrically nonconductive polymer body further include a plurality of high magnetic permeability metallic particles distributed therethrough. Each respective high magnetic permeability metallic particle has a magnetic permeability of at least 0.0001 H/m. Each respective high magnetic permeability metallic particle has a relative permeability of at least 100.

Abstract: A medical headgear fabric that includes, at least: (i) a skin-facing fabric layer; (ii) an outermost fabric layer; and (iii) a plastic or metal layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably these layers, as well as any additional layers that may be present in the fabric are thermoformed to form a substantially unitary fabric with at least a substantially laminate structure. Preferably, the fabric also includes a foam layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of plastic, the plastic layer is in the form of a nylon, plastic strip. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of metal, the metal layer is in the form of an aluminum strip.

Abstract: A medical headgear fabric that includes, at least: (i) a skin-facing fabric layer; (ii) an outermost fabric layer; and (iii) a plastic or metal layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably these layers, as well as any additional layers that may be present in the fabric are thermoformed to form a substantially unitary fabric with at least a substantially laminate structure. Preferably, the fabric also includes a foam layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of plastic, the plastic layer is in the form of a nylon, plastic strip. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of metal, the metal layer is in the form of an aluminum strip.

Abstract: A cermet material, including a plurality of ceramic particles defining a ceramic portion; and a plurality of high magnetic permeability metallic particles distributed throughout the ceramic portion to define an admixture. The ceramic particles and the metallic particles are generally the same size and shape. Each respective high magnetic permeability metallic particle has a magnetic permeability of at least 0.0001 H/m. The ceramic particles are selected from the group consisting of zirconia, yttria stabilized zirconia, zirconia toughened alumina, alumina, gadolinium oxide, TiB2, ZrB2, HfB2, TaB2, TiC, Cr3C2, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A cermet body, including a ceramic portion and a plurality of high magnetic permeability magnetic metallic particles distributed throughout the ceramic portion. Each respective high magnetic permeability magnetic metallic particle has a magnetic permeability of at least 0.0001 H/m. The magnetic metallic particles define a contiguous metallic phase, wherein the cermet body enjoys sufficient bulk electrical conductivity to be machined via electrical discharge machining.

Abstract: A method for producing a cermet composition, including mixing a first predetermined amount of a yttria stabilized zirconia powder with between 2 and 8 weight percent mu-metal powder to define a homogeneous admixture, oxidizing the mu-metal in the admixture, forming the homogeneous admixture into a green body, calcining the green body in a first reducing atmosphere to remove oxygen from the oxidized mu-metal to yield a calcined body, and sintering the calcined body in a second reducing atmosphere to yield a densified body having no more than 0.8% porosity. The densified body has a plurality of mu-metal particles distributed therethrough, a hardness of at least 1450 HV, flexural strength of at least 200 kPSI, and a relative permeability ?/?o of at least 850.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal detectible ceramic, including mixing a first amount of ceramic material with a second metal oxide to define an admixture, forming the admixture into a green body, sintering the green body to yield a densified body, wherein the densified body has a plurality of metallic particles distributed therethrough, and wherein the densified body is detectible by a metal detector.

Abstract: A method for producing a cermet composition, including mixing a first predetermined amount of a yttria stabilized zirconia powder with between 2 and 8 weight percent mu-metal powder to define a homogeneous admixture, oxidizing the mu-metal in the admixture, forming the homogeneous admixture into a green body, calcining the green body in a first reducing atmosphere to remove oxygen from the oxidized mu-metal to yield a calcined body, and sintering the calcined body in a second reducing atmosphere to yield a densified body having no more than 0.8% porosity. The densified body has a plurality of mu-metal particles distributed therethrough, a hardness of at least 1450 HV, flexural strength of at least 200 kPSI, and a relative permeability ?/?o of at least 850.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a removable and replaceable wear portion made of a variety of ceramic materials for pistons or plungers utilized in pumps, motors, presses, and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A piston assembly having a piston member with a removable wear sleeve and a method for removing and replacing the same having a center pin extending at least partially through the sleeve, a housing engaging the sleeve, and a mandrel engaging the center pin and the sleeve that may be removed to allow for the replacement of the sleeve while the piston member is in service.