Abstract: A system and method for defining an enclosure comprising a front, a rear, sides and a closing portion. The system and method further provide a base on a base receiving surface and a closing portion. The front, rear, sides, base, and closing portion define a space enclosing an object or creating a sheltered environment. The system and method further provide stiffening devices extending from the sides and the closing portion, attachment means coupling the sides to the separate base and the sides to the closing portion and attachment means holding edges of adjacent sections of the sides and edges of adjacent sections of the closing portion together. The system and method also typically provide for access areas that have hinged sections. The system and method further comprise connectors located between the closing portion and the sides through which the fasteners also pass to couple the sides to the closing portion.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enclosing an object comprising a front, a rear, and sides. The system and method further provide a base on a base receiving surface and a closing portion. The front, rear, sides, base, and closing portion define an area surrounding the object. The system and method further provide stiffening devices extending from the sides and the closing portion, fasteners coupling the sides to the base and the sides to the closing portion via the stiffening devices, and securing devices holding edges of adjacent sections of the sides and edges of adjacent sections of the closing portion together. The system and method also typically provide for access areas that have hinged sections. The system and method further comprise connectors located between the closing portion and the sides through which the fasteners also pass to couple the sides to the closing portion.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of forming a metal work piece into a target shape, said method comprising the steps: (a) obtaining a metal work piece, said work piece having an original shape; and (b) forming said metal work piece by mechanical action while simultaneously subjecting said work piece to hydraulic forming, so as to deform said metal work piece from an original shape to a target shape.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for forming a metal work piece into a target shape, the apparatus comprising: (a) an male mold portion having a mold side and a back side; (b) a female mold portion having a mold side and a back side; the mold side of male mold portion and the mold side of female mold portion adapted to mate incompletely so as to deform a work piece disposed therebetween into a precursor shape, so as to leave at least one precursor area of the work piece to be further or finally formed; (c) at least one of the mold portions comprising at least one electromagnetic actuator so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area. The invention additionally may comprise: (d) a current power source adapted to produce a current pulse through the at least one electromagnetic actuator, so as to produce a magnetic field in the at least one precursor area so as to deform the at least one precursor area into a target shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to several hybrid methods of metal forming including: (1) a method involving a partial mechanical forming followed by electromagnetic forming; (2) a method involving the initial mechanical forming, followed by further mechanical and electromagnetic forming; and a method involving the initial partial mechanical forming and electromagnetic forming, followed by further mechanical and electromagnetic forming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molds and mold portions that comprise or have integrated therewith a resinous material and comprise at least one electromagnetic actuator imbedded in the resinous material, so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area of the work piece. The resin is used to locate the coil, and clamps or other restraints preferably are used to keep the weaker electrically insulating resin out of a state of large tensile stress or strain, which may cause it to fracture. Preferably, the resinous material comprises metallic flakes imbedded therein.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of forming a metal work piece into a target shape, said method comprising the steps: (a) obtaining a metal work piece, said work piece having an original shape; and (b)forming said metal work piece by mechanical action while simultaneously subjecting said work piece to electromagnetic forming, so as to deform said metal work piece from said original shape to said target shape.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for formimg a metal work piece into a target shape, the apparatus comprising: (a) a male mold portion having a mold side and a back side; (b) a female mold portion having a mold side and a back side; at least one of the mold side of male mold portion and the mold side of female mold portion comprising a removable portion and adapted to mate incompletely so as to deform a work piece disposed therebetween into a precursor shape, so as to leave at least one precursor area of the work piece to be finally formed; (c) the removable portion comprising at least one electromagnetic actuator, the removable portion disposed so as to be capable of further forming the at least one precursor area. The invention additionally may comprise: (d) a current power source adapted to produce a current pulse through the at least one electromagnetic actuator, so as to produce a magnetic field in the at least one precursor area so as to deform the at least one precursor area into a target shape.

Abstract: One of the key features of the present invention is the use of a electrical conduit arrangement that allows for the tailoring of the magnetic field so as to provide for the greater amount of force to be brought to bear generally in the center of the work force area. The present invention provides for such capability by providing for a single central current conduit for forming longitudinally extending work pieces. The present invention also provides for the splitting, and/or direction (or curvature) reversal, of the electrical current pulse one or more times to likewise tailor the magnetic field of the work-coil or forming actuator.

Abstract: A system for adapting existing conventional screw machines to be capable of computer numerical control operation. The system incorporates the use of a VersaCam device which replaces the turret cam of a single spindle screw machine. The VersaCam system monitors the motion of the screw machine camshaft and actuates the turret slide in synchronization with the camshaft. The VersaCam system also provides a means of specifying the desired turret slide trajectory for any given job.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically wrapping at least one eating utensil in a napkin includes a receiving area for at least one utensil and at least one napkin, and a mechanism for automatically wrapping. The mechanism for automatically wrapping includes a frame, a flexible belt disposed in the frame, and a belt manipulation device. The belt has a first surface adapted for frictional contact with the napkin. At least a portion of the belt is movable to form a trough in which the napkin and utensil are manipulated and urged by frictional contact with the belt to fold and roll, automatically wrapping the utensil.

Abstract: A pair boat simulator is provided including a housing which is mounted about a longitudinal roll axis upon supports above a training facility floor. Two racing shell seats are mounted within the housing adjacent simulated oars which are mounted, in turn, upon oarlocks positioned, in turn, upon outrigger assemblies. The simulated oars are foreshortened and include a blade flotation assembly at their tips along with load beam type force transducers. The oars serve to drive a rotatable mass such as a flywheel. Thus, the physical output of each oarsman is commonly coupled to the rotating mass. Instrumentation includes transducers looking to inclinations of the housing about the roll or longitudinal axis, oar elevation and sweep angle as well as blade rotation. These parameters are combined and developed under computer driven control into data presented at visual readouts made available both to the oarsman and coach.