Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of a catalytic converter (34) computes the oxygen storage capacity and desorption capacity of a catalyst within the catalytic converter (34). An engine control unit (10) receives mass flow rate information of air from a mass air flow rate sensor (12) and an injector driver (24), and receives electrical signals from an upstream exhaust gas sensor (28) and a downstream exhaust gas sensor (30). A rate modifier is determined from excess air ratios and an adaptation parameter. The engine control unit (10) calculates normalized air fuel ratios for the exhaust gas entering and leaving the catalytic converter (34) and performs numerical integration using the rate modifier to determine the oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst in the catalytic converter (34). The calculated oxygen storage capacity of the catalyst can be compared with threshold values to determine the performance of the catalytic converter (34).

Abstract: A catalytic reactor for an internal combustion engine having a cooling jacket surrounding multiple catalyst elements. A thermal barrier layer is formed between the catalyst elements and the cooling jacket to prevent over cooling of the catalyst elements. The thermal barrier layer can be formed from insulating elements such as fibrous material, a plurality of annular rings disposed around the catalyst elements, a corrugated layer, or can be formed by an empty space.

Abstract: For proper treatment of NOx released from NOx absorbent catalyst as well as HC and CO in exhaust gas, a measure of A/F of exhaust gas downstream of the NOx absorbent is used as the input to a feedback control loop. The feedback control loop alters a feedback correction factor (or coefficient) of a fuel control command applied to each fuel injector in such a direction to decrease a deviation of the actual A/F input from a target A/F (stoichiometry or rich) When the measure of A/F has switched the side to rich, a measure of A/F of exhaust gas upstream of the NOx absorbent catalyst is used as the input to perform usual feedback control loop to maintain lean combustion mode.

Abstract: In a torque converter for a motor vehicle a plurality of rotary members are provided including a drive member and a driven member, each located along a common rotational axis. A stator is positioned between the drive and driven members and has a central hub having a bore coaxial with the common rotational axis. The stator includes an outer ring approximately concentric with the central hub, and a plurality of radially spaced blades extending between the hub and the outer ring. A mechanical diode is positioned in the bore and includes a dog clutch to transmit torque when the mechanical diode is driven in a first rotational direction causing the inner and outer members to rotate together, and a ratchet clutch to allow the inner member to rotate relative to the outer member when the diode is driven in a second rotational direction. An adaptor is also provided for coupling the mechanical diode to the hub such that the mechanical diode is positioned coaxial with the common rotational axis.

Abstract: This pneumatic stroke reversal system for reciprocating, linearly driven pumping units is completely automatic in its cyclic operation, and greatly improves efficiency. A smaller drive motor is required because kinetic energy is stored at the end of each stroke, to be returned to the system to assist in beginning and accelerating the following stroke, and because the smooth and controlled reversals allow a substantially higher stroke velocity and production from a unit of a given size. The reversals are effective on both the upstroke and the downstroke, and their maximum net values are individually selectable over a wide range, and adjustable in the field. The exact points of direction change occur at the instant of maximum rod stretch and maximum rod contraction, respectively, thereby greatly reducing parasitic rod string oscillation, and reducing pressure peaks on, and problems with, the rod string.

Abstract: A turbocharged V type engine can be equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation cooler integrated into the intake manifold, so as to achieve efficiency, cost reductions and space economization improvements. The cooler can take the form of a tube-shell heat exchanger that utilizes a cylindrical chamber in the air intake manifold as the heat exchanger housing. The intake manifold depends into the central space formed by the two banks of cylinders on the V type engine, such that the central space is effectively utilized for containing the manifold and cooler.

Abstract: Pressurized byproduct gas from an air separation system is work expanded and the resulting work is used to compress supplemental feed air which is combined with a main feed air stream to supply a total air feed to the air separation system. Supplemental air can be provided only during off-design operation when the main feed air stream is insufficient to provide the total air feed to the system. Alternatively, supplemental air can be used continuously in combination with a reduced main feed air stream to provide total feed air to the system.

Abstract: A method of operating a power generation system is provided. The system includes a turbine, a distiller/condenser, a boiler, and a superheater. The turbine expands a superheated multicomponent working fluid to produce power. The distiller/condenser transforms the expanded multicomponent working fluid into first and second concentration multicomponent working fluids. The first concentration multicomponent working fluid has a first concentration of a component of the multicomponent working fluid. The second concentration multicomponent working fluid has a second concentration of the component which is different than the first concentration. The boiler vaporizes a feed multicomponent working fluid. The superheater superheats the vaporized feed multicomponent working fluid to form the superheated multicomponent working fluid. In operating the system, the temperature of the vaporized multicomponent working fluid is sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing cigars includes a housing having a storage compartment and an atmospheric control system for controlling the temperature and humidity within the storage compartment. The housing is preferably a humidor having a storage compartment access lid and a compartment for retaining at least part of the atmospheric control system within the storage compartment. A perforated Spanish cedar board elevated from the baseboard in the storage compartment permits the circulation of humidity and heat. The atmospheric control system includes a power supply, a microcontroller for controlling the system, a sensor for sensing the humidity and temperature within the humidor and sending temperature and humidity readings to the microcontroller, and a vaporizer for producing humidity and a thermoelectric module for cooling and heating.

Abstract: A vacuum pump of the steam-ejector type uses steam generated by the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen. The mass of ejected steam is increased, and the temperature of the ejected steam is reduced, by injection of water into the combustion product. Propellant densification is accomplished by using such a vacuum pump to reduce the vapor pressure of a cryogenic liquid, thereby reducing its temperature. The cryogenic liquid may be the propellant, or it may be a coolant medium thermally coupled to the propellant.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting liquefied natural gas (LNG), at a temperature of about -162.degree. C. (-260.degree. F.) and a pressure near atmospheric pressure, to a pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) having a temperature above -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.) and a pressure sufficient for the liquid to be at or near its bubble point and at the same time producing energy derived from the cold of the LNG. The LNG is pumped to a pressure above 1,380 kPa (200 psia) and passed through a heat exchanger. A refrigerant as a working fluid in a closed circuit is passed through the heat exchanger to condense the refrigerant and to provide heat for warming the pressurized LNG. The refrigerant is then pressurized, vaporized by an external heat source, and then passed through a work-producing device to generate energy.

Abstract: A method for reducing particulate generation from regeneration of cryogenic vacuum pumps. The method comprises controlling a pressure ramp rate inside the cryopump during an initial introduction of a regeneration gas into the cryopump. Preferably, the pressure ramp rate is controlled by maintaining a first pressure ramp rate, preferably between about 0.03 T/s and 0.15 T/s, until a first pressure of about 0.3 T is reached inside the cryopump and maintaining a second pressure ramp rate between about 1 T/s and 5 T/s until the surface in the cryopump reaches an intermediate temperature between about 40 K and 100 K. Preferably, the temperature ramp rate is also controlled by heating the surface at a temperature ramp rate between about 0.1 K/s and about 0.5 K/s until the intermediate temperature has been reached. Preferably, the temperature ramp rate is controlled by regulating the flow of an inert gas into the cryopump using a flow restriction device.

Abstract: While water sprayed from an air washer is consumed by humidification, excess water which is not consumed accumulates in a circulating water tank and is supplied to the air washer again through a heat exchanger by a circulating pump. Water is supplied to the heat exchanger through a piping to make up for a shortage of water, where the water is cooled and fed to the air washer. Accordingly, the water supplied to the air washer is composed of excess humidification water from the circulating water tank which is circulated by the circulating pump and water supplied through the piping, and the water from two sources is supplied to the air washer after being cooled by the heat exchanger. Thus the excess humidification water stored in the circulating water tank has a temperature lower than the room temperature and can prevent propagation of micro-organisms which can propagate at a room temperature.

Abstract: A system for condensation and collection of atmospheric water is provided made up of a system having an aperture pipe at the top for airflow, a condensation material providing condensation surfaces within the system; openings, ducts or other spaces for conducting a flow of moisture-containing air from outside the system where it comes into contact with the condensation surfaces; and a water tank containing water heated during the daytime by the sun or by another heat source near the top of the system in the aperture pipe for heating surrounding air from which the water has been removed by condensation on the condensation surface, so that air flows out of the system through the aperture pipe at the top, drawing moisture-laden air from outside into the system.

Abstract: A hot heat source heat exchanger (1) receives heat from a primary refrigerant circuit (A) to evaporate liquid refrigerant. The hot heat source heat exchanger (1) is connected to a cold heat source heat exchanger (2) through a gas flow pipe (4) and a liquid flow pipe (5). An indoor heat exchanger (3) is connected to the gas flow pipe (4) through a gas pipe (6) and connected to the liquid flow pipe (5) through a liquid pipe (7). Gas refrigerant evaporated in the hot heat source heat exchanger (1) flows into at least the cold heat source heat exchanger (2). In the cold heat source heat exchanger (2), the gas refrigerant is condensed and refrigerant flow with respect to the indoor heat exchanger (3) is changed in accordance with a cooling or a heating operation requested by the indoor heat exchanger. In the indoor heat exchanger (3), refrigerant is condensed or evaporated.

Abstract: A self-regulating device for controlling refrigerating appliances, such as refrigerators or freezers, preferably domestic, which comprise a refrigerating circuit with compressor, evaporator, condenser and controlling means of the compressor with a temperature sensor placed in contact with the evaporator, where said means of controlling the compressor is a microprocessor device which records and processes the temperature of the evaporator and at least one of the following two parameters: the compressor functioning time and the time during which the compressor is inactive and compares said time(s) with one or more tabulated values, in order to ensure that the disconnection time (t.sub.r) of the compressor reaches and maintains, by self-regulation, a constant predetermined tabular value (t.sub.r1).

Abstract: A very efficient direct current mobile air conditioning unit suitable for use with vehicles and capable of extended periods of operation while powered by a 12 volt battery is described. The direct current mobile air conditioning unit comprises at least one oil-less compressor and condenser coils and evaporator coils wrapped in metal gauze, where air is moved across the evaporator coil and condenser unit by highly efficient axial fans.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus comprises: an ice making unit including ice making plates having ice making surfaces, and a water sprinkler for sprinkling ice water on the ice making surfaces; a reservoir tank for receiving the ice water flowing down on the ice making surfaces; and a feed pump including a pump section for supplying the ice water reserved in the reservoir tank to the water sprinkler, and a motor section for driving the pump section. The pump section is accommodated, together with the ice making unit and the reservoir tank, in an ice making chamber formed within a main body of the ice making apparatus. The motor section is accommodated, together with a control box containing therein various electrical components, in an upper machine chamber formed within the main body. The upper machine chamber is formed at the back of the ice making chamber and is partitioned from the ice making chamber by an L-shaped thermally insulating panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an electrical component is disclosed which comprises a sorber containing a sorbent; a condenser in fluid communication with the sorber; an evaporator in fluid communication with both the sorber and the condenser and connected in heat-exchange relation to the electrical component; wherein a sorbate which has been condensed in the condenser is evaporated in the evaporator, thereby absorbing heat from the electrical component, and then adsorbed onto the sorbent; an electromagnetic wave generator, a waveguide coupler for directing the electromagnetic waves to the sorbent; wherein the sorbate is desorbed from the sorbent by the electromagnetic waves and condensed in the condenser; and wherein the desorption of the sorbate from the sorbent is substantially isothermal.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling the power electronics components of a variable frequency drive for the motor of a refrigerant system compressor. The components are mounted upon a heat sink and refrigerant from the system condenser is passed through the heat sink by means of a flow line and returned to the low pressure side of the system. A control valve is mounted in the flow line which throttles refrigerant passing through the line to produce cooling of the heat sink to maintain the temperature of the components within a desired range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved beverage chiller comprising at least two interconnected canisters each canister defining a chamber for refrigerant. The chamber includes a plurality of pipes extending along the length of the chamber for the flow of beverage thereghrough. Each canister includes flow control means to ensure flow of beverage up and down the refrigerant chamber in a plurality of cooling passes. The refrigerant chambers are pressure balanced and arranged to be coupled to a source of refrigeration via a thermostatic expansion valve.

Abstract: A heat transfer device for a container defining a cavity (134) therein, the device having a heat transfer solution for cooling the cavity and reservoir-defining element (143) with a channel (148) which is in communication with the cavity (134) and which is disposed substantially in the direction of the flow of air through the cavity. A container (110) for transporting a temperature-sensitive product, the container having a reclosable, insulated housing defining a cavity therein, a product carrying container having a plurality of corners (140) and capable of being disposed within the cavity, and a plurality of the devices as described elsewhere herein, the plurality of devices disposed within the cavity so as to engage the corresponding plurality of corners of the product carrying container.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for rapidly changing the temperature of food products or the like. The apparatus includes a tank having side walls and a bottom wall defining a reservoir for rethermalizing liquid. A nozzle introduces a substantial stream of rethermalizing liquid into the reservoir at a high velocity to cause a substantial turbulence substantially throughout the reservoir. The nozzle introduces the stream of rethermalizing liquid at a point remote from the side walls of the tank and, thereby, effect continuous movement of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: An adapter arrangement is provided for connecting the inlet opening of a cold air distribution chute with the cold air discharge opening of a refrigeration unit that is mounted in a opening contained in the front wall of the body of a refrigeration vehicle, characterized in that the forward portion of the chute is collapsed upwardly upon the application of a vertical force thereto, thereby to prevent tearing or damage of the chute. The bottom edge of the chute inlet opening is connected with a weighted horizontal rod or bar that is guided for vertical sliding movement on vertical guide rods that are mounted by brackets on opposite sides of the cold air discharge opening of the refrigeration unit. Each end of the horizontal rod is connected with the associated guide rod by a connecting member that is telescopically slidably connected with the rod.

Abstract: An insulated container has a container wall, and a space to be warmed or cooled defined within the container wall. The container has an opening in the wall and a receptacle positioned so that objects introduced through the opening can seat in the receptacle and extend outwardly through the opening so that part of the object, such as a canned or bottled drink, seats within the receptacle, and part extends outwardly of the container so that a user can reach it. Either or both of the receptacle and the container can be collapsible.

Abstract: An assured supply of lubricant to the compressor in a refrigeration chiller is provided by a reservoir that is connected in parallel with the main line by which lubricant is supplied to the compressor. The reservoir is connected to the main lubricant supply line in a manner such that if the lubricant supply line is blown dry, as can occur as a result of an unusual or abnormal chiller shutdown condition, a critical portion of the supply line will be refilled by the reservoir relatively very quickly which assures the immediate availability of lubricant to the compressor from that portion of the lubricant supply line when it next starts up.

Abstract: A double effect absorption cold or hot water generating machine can supply hot water from a water heater even when it is used for a cooling operation. The double effect absorption cold or hot water generating machine comprises an absorber, an evaporator, a high temperature generator, a low temperature generator, a condenser, a high temperature heat exchanger, a low temperature heat exchanger, and a water heater.

Abstract: A dual (or multi) sectional evaporator system comprising first and second (or more) evaporator sections capable of cooling the air supply through the evaporator. The first evaporator section is positioned upstream of the second evaporator section (second upstream of the third and so on). However, the warmest refrigerant passes through the first evaporator section and the coldest refrigerant passes through the second evaporator section (or last evaporator section if more than two sections), such that the air supply is precooled prior to reaching the second (or last) evaporator. Providing a two (or more) passes of refrigerant through the dual (or multi) sectional evaporator system increases the superheat temperature out of the first evaporator up to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and/or increases the mass flow of refrigerant because of the increased heat exchange efficiency provided by counterflow heat exchange.

Abstract: A nozzle for producing a continuous gas/solid or gas/aerosol stream from a liquid having a high room temperature vapor pressure. The nozzle comprises a series of expansion stages, with the flow reversing direction after each expansion except the first and going over the conduit which comprised the previous expansion stage. In addition, the flow from the last expansion stage comes in contact with the inlet conduit, thereby exposing the inlet flow to the cold temperature produced in the nozzle. Since the flow in the nozzle is essentially adiabatic, the expansion in each stage takes heat from the flow in the previous stage, ultimately resulting in very low temperature flow. It is particularly useful as a fire extinguisher since it can produce solid CO.sub.2 snow and an aerosol of HFC-23 that are "thrown" by the remaining gaseous CO.sub.2 and HFC-23 at low exit velocities. This means that these agents can be used on Class A fires. A test nozzle using 1 liter (2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for separating and recovering propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons, i.e., the C.sub.3 + hydrocarbons, from a gas feed, e.g., raw natural gas or a refinery or petroleum plant gas stream. These methods employ sequentially configured first and second distillation columns, e.g., a de-methanizer tower followed by a de-ethanizer tower. A cooled gas feed condensate is separated in the first column into methane and a liquid phase comprising ethane and heavier hydrocarbons. The liquid phase is separated in the second column into a gas phase primarily comprising ethane and a second liquid phase primarily comprising the desired C.sub.3+ hydrocarbons. At least a portion of the second gas phase is introduced into the first distillation column as an overhead reflux to improve the separation of C.sub.3+ hydrocarbons. The methods of the present invention permit separation and recovery of more than about 99% of the C.sub.

Abstract: A technique is set forth to reduce the heat requirement of conventional distillation processes which separate feed mixtures containing three or more components. The technique provides a great deal of flexibility in adjusting the temperatures of the required utilities including a scenario where the heat requirement is reduced without a need for additional higher temperature (and more costly) heat utility. In this technique, when a liquid bottoms stream (or gaseous overhead stream) containing two or more components is sent from an earlier column to a subsequent column, then a return vapor (or liquid) stream is implemented between the same locations in the two columns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and installations for the production of oxygen and nitrogen by cryogenic distillation. The cost of oxygen and nitrogen production is reduced by providing an improved high pressure process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a seamless hollow comfort fit wedding band is provided, where precious metal is flattened into a metal sheet from which ring-size "washers" are punched out at a press-machine. The seamless comfort fit look is then achieved by forming thin concave and convex shaped rings out of the "washers", which are later slipped into each other and soldered at their side edges to form one comfort fit wedding band.

Abstract: An openable gem setting for a jewelry article in which a gemstone is removably retained by a removable holding plate, the plate being removably fastened to the jewelry article by means of a plurality of fasteners. The holding plate includes at least one major aperture adapted for the mounting of a gemstone, and at least two minor apertures through which portions of the fasteners extend and removably engage a part of the jewelry article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic silica-glass fabricating method in which the doping of chlorine into silica glass made by using a flame hydrolysis or thermal oxidation is increased. The process comprises the steps of producing a porous deposit of silica-glass particles through treatment of gaseous silicon compounds by the flame hydrolysis or the thermal oxidation process; and consolidating the porous deposit by a heat treatment in an atmosphere including an inert gas and silicon tetrachloride (SiCl.sub.4) gas.

Abstract: A method of knitting an improved comfort selvage on a V-bed flat knitting machine by manipulating the front and rear needles independently at the selvages. By using an asymmetrical knitting pattern at the selvage, a knitted double-lock selvage is produced that has no ridge on one side of the fabric or holes, thus improving the wearing comfort and aesthetic appeal of the garment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing three-dimensional knits. In accordance with the invention narrowing the loops is done by loops covering a partial area of the needle bed being transferred to needles arranged nearer to the middle of the knit and subsequently knitting further continued, and widening the loops is done by loops covering a partial area of the needle bed being transferred to needles arranged remote from the middle of the knit and subsequently knitting further continued. As an alternative to this, needles may be rendered inactive in a partial area of the needle bed over at least one course and subsequently reactivated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and a device for the production of textile net-like fabrics by various bonding processes, e.g., the warp knitting process or stitch bonding process.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional knit spacer fabric is provided. The fabric includes a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a resilient yarn interconnecting the two layers. The first fabric layer is made from fiber rendered hydrophilic, while the second fabric layer is abrasion resistant.

Abstract: A washer and dryer combination is provided including a housing having a fixed casing and a rotating basin rotatably mounted within the fixed casing. Also included is a rotation motor for rotating the rotating basin upon the actuation thereof, a hot air generation assembly for delivering hot air in the rotating basin upon the actuation thereof, an exhaust mechanism for expelling air from the rotating basin, a water delivery assembly for allowing the flow of water into the rotating basin upon the actuation thereof, and a water expelling mechanism including a pump for pumping water from the rotating basin upon the actuation thereof. Next provided is a control panel including a keypad and a display for selectively actuating the rotation motor, the hot air generation assembly, the water delivery assembly, and the pump of the water expelling mechanism.

Abstract: A washing machine includes an outer tub, an inner tub, fluid nozzle configured to spray fluid into the inner tub, a fluid pump, and a controller. The washing machine may also include a pulsator located in the inner tub for applying a force to clothing in inner tub. During a first washing cycle, the controller causes the inner tub to rotate, and the nozzle to spray fluid onto clothing in the inner tub. During the first washing cycle, a fluid level in the outer tub may be controlled so that it is lower than the inner tub. During a second washing cycle, the inner tub is held stationary, and the pulsator applies a force to clothing in the inner tub, as occurs in conventional washing machines. Because the fluid level in the washing machine can be kept quite low during the first washing cycle, less water and less detergent is required. Also, because the level of the water is kept below the rotating inner tub during the first washing cycle, less force and thus less energy are required to rotate the inner tub.

Abstract: A chock-type wheel lock has two V-shaped cradles joined at the lowermost part of the "V" horizontally at the tire's center. A sliding bar and cylinder lock engage the cradle members together. Alternatively, a series of adjustment blocks join the cradles together for differing tire sizes. The chocks may be adjustable having an axle which slides into notches in a cradle housing to provide for multi-size tire use.

Abstract: A bezel assembly comprising a bezel plate having at least one elongated member projecting outwardly therefrom; a structural member having at least one opening extending therethrough; a lock plate having at least one opening extending therethrough; a catch member mounted on either the bezel plate or the lock plate; and a lock member mounted on the plate which does not have the catch member; the lock member being displaceably lockingly engageable with the catch member; the structural member being disposed between the bezel plate and the lock plate; the elongated member extending through the openings in the structural member and the lock plate.

Abstract: A helmet restraining and locking device is provided including a plurality of rigid, semi-circular portions each defined by a section of a full sphere. The semi-circular portions have an extended orientation defining a hemispherical cover and an open retracted orientation. A mounting strap is provided for securing the semicircular portions on a motorcycle. Also included is a locking assembly for preventing unauthorized access under the hemispherical cover.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for precluding the flying of an airplane comprises a pair of arm members telescopically interengaged and having axially outwardly open U-shaped hooks for engaging with two flight control components in the cockpit of an airplane to preclude the displacement of the elevators, ailerons or rudder necessary to fly the airplane. The anti-theft device is releasably locked between the flight control components.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock having a dial-shape handle with a keypad incorporated therein is disclosed. Rotation of the handle extends or retracts a bolt that closes or opens the lock. The keypad includes indicia that give the user visual cues as to the orientation of the handle, thereby informing the user of the extended or retracted condition of the bolt. A battery pack is used to energize circuitry that recognizes a code entered through the keypad. The circuitry provides a control signal that activates a solenoid to extend or retract a bolt blocking device, which in turn prevents or enables movement of the bolt. A visual indicator warns of a low voltage or power condition in the battery pack. Electrical contacts are provided in the face plate of the handle to connect the circuitry to an external power source in case the battery pack fails.

Abstract: A lock system for a tool container provides the convenience of remote control without compromising the simplicity of the manual key operation. The lock system has an electronically controlled actuating mechanism coupled to the locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the tool container. The coupling between the electronically controlled actuating mechanism and the locking system allows a user to manually override the electronically controlled actuating mechanism with the conventional key-turning operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regulating the drive of a multiple drawing machine or drawing device, respectively, as well as to a device for drawing billets. By means of the method it is possible to drive a wet drawing machine such that slip-free operation is also achieved. The device according to the invention comprises a drive regulation suited for slip-free wet operation. By means of the present invention, substantial improvements of the quality of the drawn product, in particular of wires of copper, copper alloys or special materials, respectively, are achieved. The operation substantially is performed automatically, and an automatic adaptation of the device to modified operating conditions, such as modification of the property of the material of the billet, is effected.

Abstract: An automated crimping machine for crimping a fitting or end connector onto an end of a cable is made up of segmental die portions which together form a die surface in the desired configuration including cylinder-operated pivot blocks to advance the segmental die portions between an open position and closed crimping position, a plunger assembly axially spaced from the die portions to support the fitting in loosely assembled relation on the cable and to automatically advance in an axial direction into the cavity formed by the die surfaces to cause the fitting to be crimped onto the cable end, following which the segmental die portions are expanded away from the fitting and the crimped fitting removed to permit insertion of the next fitting and cable which is advanced through a guide block into properly aligned relation with the plunger.

Abstract: Described are unique prosthesis systems including superplastically-formed prosthetic elements, and methods and an apparatus for forming such elements. A preferred dental prosthesis system includes at least two osseointegrated fixtures, abutments attached to the fixtures, a bar member interconnecting the abutments, and a prosthesis detachably connected to the bar member, wherein the prosthesis includes a superplastically-formed metal element having a surface conforming to the bar member and abutments, a resin denture base attached to the metal element, and artificial teeth mounted on the resin denture base. The preferred prosthetic components are prepared by superplastic forming under temperature conditions which are repeatedly cycled above and below the transformation temperature of the metal being formed.