Abstract: A press brake control system and apparatus including a vertical ram extension controller and back gauge system which together determine respectively the angle and location of successive sheet metal bends according to a stored operating sequence. The control system and apparatus is attached to an existing and unmodified press brake to which the press brake control system automatically adapts its control functions according to the mechanical parameters and conditions of the particular press brake. Futhermore, the press brake control system elements communicate according to a communication system having redundancy and error-checking features to be operable in hostile electrical and physical environments.

Abstract: An elongated, eliptically shaped, piece of material with a centrally located space and eyelets attached at each end can be used to reliably retain a calvarium adjacent an associated skull.

Abstract: An apparatus that may be used in an automatic drawing system for recording, for example, with pencil lead or ink. In one embodiment using a pencil lead, a push rod connects to a piston which is slideable in a cylinder which has a retaining tube for the lead extending therefrom. Air pressure may be selectively applied to the piston for urging the rod against the lead which is in turn contacting the medium for recording thereon. Retraction of the lead from contact with the medium is performed by a mechanism that moves the cylinder and retaining tube toward the medium after the air pressure has been removed so that the lead slides into the tube, and thereafter moves the cylinder and tube away from the medium to retract the lead from contact with the medium. Detection means are also provided to detect the expending of the lead and a multi-lead holder is indexed so that a new piece of lead is registered with the push rod.