Abstract: An apparatus for lifting or moving a partition or panel may in one embodiment include a frame that is mountable to an interior surface of a cargo area and a locking mechanism comprised of smooth and knurled guide and locking pins through which a strap is fed. In preferred embodiments at least one knurled locking pin can slide between a locking position which inhibits strap movement and a non-locking position in which the strap is substantially free to slide through the lift mechanism. In certain embodiments a knurled locking pin may be operable to slide into a locking position when a load is placed on a lifting end of the strap, such as when the strap is connected to a panel which is being lifted or moved. The knurled locking pin may also be operable to slide to a non-locking position when a user pulls on the opposite end of the strap.

Abstract: A bolted fastener for joining components, such as a bracket fastened to a crosspiece, includes a bolt, a nut and an eccentric. A square neck of a bolt fits into an oblong hole in a component and prevents the bolt from turning. The diameter of the eccentric that serves as a wedging means fits into the slightly larger diameter of the receptacle hole, allowing the eccentric to fit into the receptacle hole. When the nut is screwed on the bolt, the eccentric rotates about the bolt and, on account of its eccentricity, wedges itself within the receptacle hole. The wedged eccentric prevents accidental loosening or accidental unscrewing of the nut.

Abstract: A multi-function winch for interchangeably attaching to either the front of an ATV or the back of the ATV. The multi-function winch includes a front mounting assembly, a back mounting assembly, a column assembly, an elbow assembly, and a winch assembly. The front mounting assembly attaches to the front cargo rack of the ATV. The back mounting assembly attaches to the back cargo rack of the ATV and to the trailer hitch of the ATV. The column assembly is interchangeably attached to either the front mounting assembly or to the back mounting assembly. The elbow assembly is interchangeably attached to the front mounting assembly. The winch assembly is interchangeably attached to either the rear mounting assembly, the column assembly, or the elbow assembly.

Abstract: A hoist for elevating cargo onto the bed of a truck includes a frame (11) which may be mounted to the truck bed, a platform or container (12) which is connected to the frame by a pivoting arm (9), and an arrangement of linkages for rotating the arm (9) to position the platform either on the truck bed or on a loading and unloading position resting on the ground behind the truck. A hydraulic ram (24) is connected to the arm (9) via the linkages, with the linkages being arranged to increase the effective “flow” of the arm to provide a long travel distance of the arm.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a platform arranged for carrying an object. A first arm is arranged for influencing the platform in a first movement and includes a first actuator having a first path and a first carriage linearly movable along the first path. A second arm is arranged for influencing the platform in a second movement, and includes a second actuator having a second path and a second carriage linearly movable along the first path. A third arm is arranged for influencing the platform in a third movement. A control unit controls the movements of the platform. The first and second arms are arranged rotatable in such way that the platform is movable between opposite sides of a second plane passing through and continuously following the first and second carriage. The control unit includes a control adapted to upon command perform a reconfiguration of the platform and the arms of the robot. The reconfiguration includes moving the platform between opposite sides of the second plane.

Abstract: An attachment construction for attaching a front loader having booms to a front of a tractor vehicle body is disclosed. The construction includes a pair of support tables projecting from the front portion of the tractor body to the right and left outer sides thereof, an engine constituting the vehicle body being disposed forwardly of the support tables, a front axle frame being secured to right and left sides of the engine, a pair of main frames disposed erect on the respective support tables for supporting the booms, and a pair of attaching brackets secured to right/left inner ends of the respective support tables for attaching the support tables to the vehicle body. Each attaching bracket includes a front attaching portion secured to the front axle frame and a rear attaching portion projecting rearwardly of the support table associated therewith and secured to a fore-and-aft intermediate portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A turbine airfoil usable in a turbine engine and having at least one cooling system. At least a portion of the cooling system may be positioned in an outer wall of the turbine airfoil and be formed from a multi-chambered, metering orifice. The multi-chambered, metering orifice may include a first diffusor coupled to a fluid supply channel through a first metering orifice. The first diffusor may be configured to form a vortex of cooling fluids. The multi-chambered, metering orifice may include a second diffusor in communication with an outer surface of the airfoil to exhaust cooling fluids from the airfoil. The second diffusor may be in fluid communication with the first diffusor through a second metering orifice. The second diffusor may be configured to reduce the velocity of the cooling fluids and to enable formation of a film cooling layer on the outer surface of the turbine airfoil.

Abstract: A power blower has a fan housing, a blowing fan accommodated in the fan housing, a drive source for driving the blowing fan, an operating handle connected to the fan housing for gripping by an operator of the power blower, and at least one vibration damping member interposed between the operating handle and the fan housing. The vibration damping member has resiliently deformed protruding portions contacting an inner peripheral surface of the operating handle so that vibrations in three directions, passing from the drive source and blowing fan to the fan housing, are absorbed by resilient deformation of the protruding portions to thereby suppress vibrations passing via the fan housing to the operating handle.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to distribute acoustic spectral energy associated with a primary blade-passing frequency tonal component of fan noise and with harmonics thereof. The energy may be spectrally distributed by irregularly spacing a plurality of fan blades or stationary structures associated with the fan, or both. The stationary structures may be capable of being pressure-coupled to each one of the plurality of fan blades as each fan blade passes by each one of the stationary structures. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A variable pitch stator vane stage, said vanes being moved by an automatically-centered rotary actuator ring. The casing carries a stationary coaxial annular rail projecting from its outside surface, and circumferentially spaced apart moving equipments are provided that are constrained to move along said rail, each moving equipment being coupled to the actuator ring via a radial guide arrangement.

Abstract: A unitary component for retaining a vane ring in a gas turbine engine comprises a retaining plate portion to restrain axial vane movement, a retaining ring portion to restrain circumferential vane movement, and a baffle portion to split a cooling air flow between the vane and an adjacent rotor.

Abstract: An axial flow turbine provided with a stage composed of a turbine nozzle and a turbine rotor blade arranged in an axial flow direction. Both end portions of a nozzle blade of the turbine nozzle are supported by a diaphragm inner ring and a diaphragm outer ring, and a flow passage is formed to have its diameter expanded from an upstream stage to a downstream stage. In such axial flow turbine, trailing edges at ends of the nozzle blade supported by the diaphragm inner ring and the diaphragm outer ring are curved as a curvature to an outlet side, and an intermediate portion between the trailing edges is formed to be straight.

Abstract: A ceiling fan assembly includes a hanger bracket secured to a conventional overhead support member and a fan motor depending from the hanger bracket. A housing encapsulating the fan motor and the hanger is detachably secured by a detent engagement means. An element of the detent engagement means is integral with the hanger bracket and a complemental element of the detent engagement means is integral with the housing. When engaged, the housing obscured the detent engagement means.

Abstract: Methods to make various types of automatically opening hand fans. One embodiment is an automatic double folding hand fan having a first guard and a second guard and spring mechanisms to open the fan.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine airfoil comprises first and second opposite sides joined together at spaced-apart leading and trailing edges and extending from a root to a tip. An internal cooling passage is provided for channelling coolant through the airfoil. The internal cooling passage has a discharge aperture at a juncture of the tip and the trailing edge. The discharge aperture has a tip component and a trailing edge component to provide for effective cooling of the trailing tip corner region of the airfoil.

Abstract: A cooled blade of a small gas turbine engine can enhance cooling performance without increasing the amount of cooling air in a simple configuration. A cooled turbine blade is provided with a cooling passageway 12 formed inside thereof, making the cooling air flow therein. Film-cooling holes 13 penetrate from an inner wall surface 111 to an external wall surface 112 and form a cooling film. An impingement cooling member 2 has a multiple number of small holes 21 ejecting the cooling air. A gap t made by the inner wall surface 111 and the impingement cooling member 2 has a sealing portion 14 mounted thereon which divides the gap in a blade chord direction.

Abstract: A gas turbine airfoil with a pressure sidewall (6) and a suction sidewall (7) extends from a root (2) to a tip (3) and from a leading edge (4) to a trailing edge (5). It comprises several film cooling holes with exit ports (8). The film cooling holes have a sidewall that is diffused in the direction of the tip (3) of the airfoil (1) at least over a part of the film cooling hole. Furthermore, the film cooling holes each have flare-like contour near the outer surface of the leading edge (4). The film cooling holes according to the invention provide an improved film cooling effectiveness due to reduced formation of vortices and decreased penetration depth of the cooling air film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas turbine blade or vane ring having a supporting structure and gas turbine blades or vanes secured to it. The gas turbine blades or vanes have a blade or vane root, which is successively adjoined by a platform and then a blade profile which is curved in the longitudinal direction, the blade or vane root running in the longitudinal direction of the blade profile, and the platform having two platform longitudinal edges which are bent parallel and run in the longitudinal direction. To provide an alternative gas turbine blade or vane ring with simplified assembly, it is proposed that the blade or vane root be shaped in such a manner that the suction-side or pressure-side blade or vane root surface of the associated platform longitudinal edge be curved convexly or concavely, respectively. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of a gas turbine blade or vane ring of this type.

Abstract: An improved transparent blade for a ceiling fan that includes a decorative insert is disclosed. The complete blade assembly provides a blade support, screw holes, and a blade field, which contours the interior area of the topside of the blade. The blade provides an open cavity area for easy and secure insertion and removal of a decorative insert which can be viewed by the room occupant through the clear bottom side of the blade field. The fixed blade is a single, durable, relatively thin flat member manufactured from injection-molded plastic. The present invention offers a fashionable appearance and adds value to a room's setting and ambience.

Abstract: An improvement for a turbomachinery blade having an airfoil portion, a neck portion, and a root portion, the neck portion extending from the root portion, and the airfoil portion extending from the neck portion, and the root portion being tear-drop shaped, includes a jacket attached to the root portion and extending along a portion of the neck portion. Additionally, a process of forming a turbomachinery blade includes steps of providing a laminate of a material; providing a blade insert; wrapping the laminate around to insert to form a blade having a root portion, a neck portion extending from the root portion, and an airfoil portion extending from the neck portion; and providing for a jacket secured around the root portion and a portion of the neck portion extending from the root portion, the jacket having such shape as to prevent delamination of the laminates at a critical point due to centrifugal force acting on the blade.

Abstract: A damping arrangement for a blade (20) of an axial turbine, in particular a gas turbine, includes a damping element (17) which is arranged in a recess (16) in the blade aerofoil (10) of the blade (20) and frictionally dampens the vibrations of the blade (20). In such a damping arrangement, simplified manufacture and assembly and a reliable and effective function are achieved by the recess being configured as a cavity (16) extending in the radial direction through the inside of the blade aerofoil (10), the damping element (17) being inserted in the radial direction into said cavity (16).

Abstract: The shutdown of a compressor (10) installed in a refrigerant circuit (2) in air conditioning or refrigeration system is controlled so as to prevent unpowered reverse rotation of the compressor. Prior to terminating electric power to the compressor drive motor (24), the pressure within the system is relieved and substantially equalized across the compressor, thereby eliminating the possibility of unpowered reverse rotation of the compressor at shutdown. Pressure relief and equalization may be achieved by reducing the operating speed of the compressor to a low forward speed for a period of time prior to deenergizing the compressor drive motor. Pressure equalization may also be achieved by driving the compressor in reverse rotation prior to deenergizing the drive motor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump has a supply section and a magnetic force pumping section wherein flow of a electrically conductive material through the supply section is opposite to the flow of the material in the magnetic force pumping section in some examples. Multiple coils surround the supply and magnetic force pumping sections. Current flowing through the multiple coils creates magnetic fields that magnetically couple with a magnetic material disposed between the supply and magnetic force pumping sections so that the fields penetrate the electrically conductive material in the magnetic force pumping section substantially perpendicular to the desired flow direction which maximizes the magnitudes of magnetic forces applied to the electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A variable capacity rotary compressor, including upper and lower compression chambers having different capacities, a rotating shaft passing through the upper and lower compression chambers, upper and lower eccentric cams provided on the rotating shaft, and upper and lower eccentric bushes fitted over the upper and lower eccentric cams, respectively. A slot is provided at a predetermined position between the upper and lower eccentric bushes. A locking pin, moves along the slot, to change a position of the upper or lower eccentric bush to a maximum eccentric position, and a clutch engages with the slot at a position opposite to the locking pin to thereby preventing the upper and lower eccentric bushes from slipping over the upper and lower eccentric cams, respectively.

Abstract: A positive displacement piston unit is provided that utilizes a magnetorheological (MR) or electrorheological (ER) fluid as the transmission fluid. Each cylinder of the invention has an intake port connected to the suction port of the hydrostatic pump and an output port connected to the pressure port. Flow of the transmission fluid through the cylinder is controlled by an electromagnet or electrode located in close proximity to the intake and output ports of the cylinder. By energizing the electromagnet or electrode, the viscosity of the transmission fluid can be increased such that the portion of the fluid immediately near the electromagnet or electrode substantially solidifies. The solidified portion of the transmission fluid disables fluid through the particular passage, thereby restricting flow of the transmission fluid to the cylinder. As such, the present invention does not require the use of mechanical cylinder valves to control the flow of the transmission fluid.

Abstract: A gas turbo pump assembly for connection to a port of a vacuum chamber and having high throughput with low vibration. The assembly comprises a turbo pump and a vibration damper. The pump has a pump body with an external surface and a center axis defining a first axial end and a second axial end of the pump. The pump also has a pump inlet port, the inlet port being coupled to the vacuum chamber port disposed at the first axial end of the pump, and an exit port disposed proximate the second axial end of the pump. The assembly vibration damper is structured to enclose a substantial portion of the pump in a nested arrangement.

Abstract: A heat dissipation fan includes a rotor (1) having a hub (10) with a permanent magnet (104) attached to an inner surface thereof, a stator (2) and a fan frame (3) having a bearing seat (36). The bearing seat (36) includes a base (361) and a central tube (362) around which the stator is mounted. Slots (102) are defined through the top wall of the hub facing to the magnet ring. The base defines slots (360), corresponding to the slots of the hub.

Abstract: In a pump conveying a supercritical fluid or a liquid are provided stator slots and motor mold members which are charged between the stator slots, so as to have a stator can of a motor driving the pump from the outside thereof. Additionally, by providing a main shaft of a motor driving the pump and bearings supporting the main shaft with clearance-fitting and by tightening inner rings of the bearings to the main shaft in an axial direction, the bearings are fixed to the main shaft.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes occluding surfaces rotatably supported by a support, an occlusion having an occlusion surface and a drive system configured to rotate occluding surfaces about a common axis. At least one of the support and the occlusion is movable towards the other of the support and the occlusion. The drive system is coupled to at least one of the support and the occlusion so as to move at least one of the support and the first occlusion.

Abstract: A scroll machine includes a shell and a pair of scroll members. At least one of the scroll members disposed in the shell is mounted for axial movement with respect to the other scroll member disposed in the scroll. The amount of axial movement of at least one scroll member is accurately controlled by providing a stop. The stop is defined by the contact of the end plate of the at least one scroll member with another member of the scroll machine which is accurately positioned within the shell of the scroll machine. The member can be either the shell or another component which engages the shell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an orbiting vane compressor incorporating an orbiting vane with oil supply function that is capable of performing more smooth orbiting movement. The orbiting vane has a compression unit comprising an orbiting vane having a boss formed in the center thereof such that the upper end of a crankshaft having an oil supplying channel formed therethrough is fixedly fitted in the boss, the orbiting vane being disposed between an annular space defined between the inner wall of a cylinder and an inner ring, and an Oldham's ring disposed at the lower surface of the orbiting vane for preventing rotation of the orbiting vane. An oil supplying hole is formed on a vane plate of the orbiting vane outside the boss for allowing oil to be supplied to the upper surface of the vane plate.

Abstract: A roller cell pump having a shaped sliding surface composed of elliptical portions results from two different equations. The function of the unit is improved because the equations are modified and include adaptable parameters, so that by adaptation of the parameters, the shaped sliding surface can be adapted in portions optimally to the requisite function in that particular region of the shaped sliding surface, for instance the function of generating an underpressure or an overpressure. The course of the radii of the elliptical portions corresponds, at least in portions, to one of two equations that differ from the prior art.

Abstract: An injection molding system (10) includes a first mold half (20) and a second mold half (22), which forms a cavity (23) with the first mold half (20). A cavity intrusion element (34) is displaceable to extend within the cavity (23). A displacement mechanism (36) is coupled to the cavity intrusion element (34). A controller (38) is coupled to the displacement mechanism (36) and controls the intrusion depth (D) of the cavity intrusion element (34) during an injection molding process. A method of forming an article includes the pressurizing of the cavity (23) within a mold (14) via a gas. A material having a blowing agent is injected into the cavity (23). The gas pressure within the cavity (23) is released. The cavity intrusion element (34) is backed out from within the cavity (23). The material is cured.

Abstract: Within a cotton candy machine a delay-on-break delay timer is used to delay the de-energization of the spinner-head motor for a predetermined period of time after the heater elements are turned off. Thus, while the heater elements are cooling down, the motor and spinner head continue to rotate. Once the heater elements are cooled to the point where they cannot melt or burn the sugar, then the motor can be de-energized and the spinner head allowed to stop.

Abstract: A cover for an opening of an ejector housing of a mold assembly comprises a cover portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion is attached to a member defining the ejector housing at a side thereof comprising an interior wall of the ejector housing and the cover portion covering the opening defined by the ends of the members surrounding the ejector housing. The cover is attached to a side of the member by at least one fastener located so as not to be accessible for removing the housing cover as the mold assembly is mounted in a machine. A mold assembly comprises a cover in accordance with the invention. The cover advantageously comprising at least one opening therethrough to permit guarded examination of components of an ejector device within the ejector housing and viewable from the end of the ejector housing at which the cover is attached.

Abstract: Alignment bars are mounted to a core or cavity insert block and a portion of one end of the alignment bar projects above the plane of a molding face surface and engages with a corresponding respective mating alignment channel in the other of the core or cavity insert block when the blocks are moved into a closed operative position. A portion of the other end of the alignment bar projects below the plane of a mold base plate facing surface defining keys for insertion into pockets formed in the mold base plate of a mold base for precise fixed positioning of the insert block on the mold base plate. The other insert block is carried by a co-operating mold base and the position of the insert block is moved into alignment with the insert block mounted on the other mold base.

Abstract: A fiber extrusion pack for extruding molten material to form an array of fibers includes a number of split distribution plates arranged in a stack such that each split distribution plate forms a layer within the fiber extrusion pack, and features on the split distribution plates form a distribution network that delivers the molten material to orifices in the fiber extrusion pack. Each of the split distribution plates includes a set of plate segments with a gap disposed between adjacent plate segments. Adjacent edges of the plate segments are shaped to form reservoirs along the gap, and sealing plugs are disposed in the reservoirs to prevent the molten material from leaking from the gaps. The sealing plugs can be formed by the molten material that leaks into the gap and collects and solidifies in the reservoirs or by placing a plugging material in the reservoirs at pack assembly.

Abstract: A system for forming a hollow body may include at least one closing unit positioned beneath the die of a tube extrusion device. The closing unit may include a first vertical closing plate and second vertical closing plate. Specifically, an upper horizontal closing plate is cantilevered to the first vertical closing plate carrying an upper mold half, while a lower horizontal supporting plate is cantilevered to the second vertical closing plate carrying a lower mold half. At least one hydraulic cylinder may connect to the horizontal supporting plate and be adapted to vertically displace the lower horizontal closing plate. The closing unit is configured in such a way that when the vertical closing plates are moved toward each other, the upper horizontal closing plate and the lower horizontal supporting plate interlock. The system can be configured to produce oblong hollow bodies requiring a horizontal mold parting plane.

Abstract: The device includes: a runner block arranged at a position close to the injection port for resin material for secondary forming; and a slide core moved relatively with the runner block. In the runner block, a guide passage is formed which is communicated with a passage formed when pipe-shaped passages of the primary moldings are butted against each other. A heating medium passage or a resin material passage formed in the slide core are moved so that either the heating medium passage or the resin material passage can be selectively communicated with the guide passage formed in the runner block.

Abstract: An injection molding nozzle assembly is disclosed comprising a one-piece central body having a generally-cylindrical first section defining a radial surface and terminating in a face and a generally-cylindrical second section defining a radial surface extending in axial alignment with the first section in a direction opposite to the face. A central passage extends axially within the second section, and one or more flow passages extend between the central passage and the face of the first section. At least one of the flow passages has an aperture in the radial surface of the second section which receives a plug. A nozzle seal is removably secured to each of the flow passages on the face of the first cylindrical section. A flange is provided that has a generally-cylindrical central opening that is to be received by the second cylindrical portion of the body and is affixed to the body so as to overlie each plug.

Abstract: A safety control switch comprises a slide base movably mounted on the housing of a gas-fired ignition device, a push button positioned in a through hole of the slide base, a brake block fixed to the push button for inserting into a space between the slide base and the housing, and a locking piece movably mounted on the slide base and engaged with the through hole of the slide base, the locking piece being moved relative to the slide base between a first position to prevent the push button and the slide base from being operated by blocking the through hole and a second position to allow the push button and the slide base to be operated by removing the blockage of the through hole.

Abstract: A torch operable to pivotally secure a lever on opposite sides of the torch. The torch may comprise a torch butt, a valve assembly, and a lever. The valve assembly may be operable to control a flow of a fluid through the torch butt. The lever may be selectively securable to a first portion of the torch butt and a second portion of the torch butt. The second portion of the torch butt may be disposed opposite the first portion of the torch butt. The valve assembly may be selectively securable within the torch butt to enable the lever to operate the valve assembly with the lever selected to pivot about the first portion of the torch butt and the second portion of the torch butt.

Abstract: A portable heater adapted for use in a recreational enclosure or temporary work enclosure includes a housing having an air inlet on the lower front face. A gas supply is at least partially enclosed by the housing which provides propane to the mouth of a burner venturi located within the housing. Air is drawn through the air inlet and also enters the mouth of the burner venturi. The air and gas are mixed thoroughly as they travel upwardly through the burner venturi. A chimney effect increases fresh air flow velocity into the burner venturi and allows the heater to operate at a reduced fuel gas pressure. Upon exiting the burner venturi, the air/gas mixture is to a plenum and radiant surface where combustion takes place. Any conventional means may be provided to ignite the air/gas mixture in order to cause combustion. The combustion products deflect off a deflector, which is cooled on a rear face by air flow through the housing, which decreases the temperature of the combustion products before exiting an outlet.

Abstract: A dental retainer device for stabilization, so-called retention, of pairs of teeth or groups of teeth in a lower jaw and/or an upper jaws in orthodontic treatment. The retainer device is formed of a pair (2) of retainer elements, consisting of two preferably individual, but in the position of use cooperating, retainer elements (4, 6). Each of the retainer elements (4, 6) is formed in with a retainer approximal surface (16, 18), the retainer approximal surfaces (16, 18) being formed complementary relative to one another. In use, one or more pairs (2) of retainer elements is/are positioned and secured with its/their individual elements (4, 6) preferably on the inner face of a tooth (20, 22) each of a pair of adjacent teeth, so that in the position of use the retainer approximal surfaces (16, 18) bear on each other and support, possibly lock, each other.

Abstract: The invention comprises a pair of one-piece, flat recording plates that are mirror symmetric about a sagittal plane S, or which an upper part (200), which is provided with a stylus (202), can be affixed to the upper jaw of the patient, and a lower part (100), which is provided with a writing surface (101), can be affixed to the lower jaw of the patient. A recording plate comprises a planar base area (110; 210), planar transition areas (113, 114; 213, 214), which border thereon, and supporting surfaces (111, 112; 211, 212), which border on the latter and which have continuous retention openings (119; 219). The base area is approximately shaped in the form of a forward tapering isosceles trapezoid, which is mirror symmetric about the sagittal plane S, whereas each transition area is approximately shaped in the form of an elongated parallelogram, which is angled away both from the base area as well as from the supporting surface.

Abstract: An endodontic file having an elongated shank with a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion extending from the proximal portion to the distal end, the external surface of the shank working portion being defined in part by a plurality of at least two equally spaced apart continuous helical flutes formed into a central core portion of the shank working portion, the flutes having therebetween an equal number of spiraled spaced apart flanges, each flange having a semi-circular surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge, each edge being in or parallel to a plane of the shank longitudinal axis, each leading and trailing edges providing a cutting or scraping edge.

Abstract: A biofunctional dental implant wherein a crown portion is connected to a root portion without the use of the conventional short screws, or the like. A flexible abutment projects upwardly from the root portion, and the crown portion is positioned in surrounding engagement with the flexible abutment. A threaded abutment post is advanced through the flexible abutment and into receipt by the root portion. The advancement of the abutment post through the flexible abutment generates an outward pushing force for causing a plurality of flexible splines of the abutment to bend outwardly and into engagement with an elastomeric cap of the crown portion for holding the crown portion atop the root portion. In one preferred embodiment, a replacement crown portion is detachably connected to an existing root portion by way of a removable abutment screw so as to enable a broken or worn crown portion to be removed and replaced without the need for a new surgery.

Abstract: A dental retaining screw used to secure dental components, such as abutments, copings, and prosthesis to dental implants. The screw has a body formed from titanium and a spring-washer formed from gold. The spring-washer is adapted to prevent the screw from loosening or losing preload once tightened to the implant. The spring-washer includes an annular body with a plurality of flexible legs extending from the annular body; the legs prevent the screw from coming loose during shipping or while attached to an abutment.

Abstract: An implant system comprising a dental implant, a holding element is provided with non-rotational joint means adapted to avoid relative rotation of the holding element with respect to the implant, and a clamping element adapted to steady retain the holding element close to said implant. The system further comprises release means provided on the clamping element and suitable to interact with release means provided on a separating tool, so that acting on the separating tool the implant can be released from the holding element without transferring damaging forces such as torsional, tensile or compressive forces, to the implant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for skills-based testing and training of an application are provided. Example embodiments provide a Skills-Based Simulation and Measurement System “SBSMS”, which enables publishers and authors of tests and training programs to provide simulated application environments for testing and training students. In one embodiment, the SBSMS comprises a client portion and a server portion. The client portion includes a simulation engine that is run by a student and tracks the student's responses. The server portion comprises the components and data that are used to implement the client-side simulation engine and includes a skills-based testing and training engine, simulation components, non-simulation components, and a tests and training scenarios and student data repository. The server portion receives and satisfies requests for portions of a scenario with the simulation and non-simulation components.