Abstract: In combination with a knee brace, the variable radius spring assembly of the present invention provides a full range knee orthotic with support to the leg muscles without compromising the range of motion and the patient's normal walk/gate. The assembly comprises upper and lower hinge pieces attached to upper and lower sections of the brace, a spring bracket, and an elongated spring element that extends downward from the upper hinge piece past a catch on the lower hinge piece. Two such assemblies are attached to a knee brace, one on the inner side and one on the outer side. As the lower leg, and the lower hinge piece, move rearward, the catch forces the spring element rearward and slides downward along the spring element. Consequently, the spring element has a non-linear response requiring approximately the same about of force to deflect the spring element throughout its range of rearward travel.

Abstract: A method of producing a workpiece having a modified gearing geometry by a generating method includes generating machining the workpiece in at least one machining stroke with a tool having a modified gearing geometry and a topological modification. Provision is made that the contact path with the workpiece is not shifted on the tool during the machining stroke. In one example, a cylindrical workpiece is machined by an axial generating method. In another example, a conical workpiece is machined by a diagonal generating method, and the diagonal ratio is selected such that the contact path does not shift on the tool during the machining stroke.

Abstract: There is described a method, apparatus and shaping tool for shaping a workpiece. The tool comprises a flexible support surface on which are mounted a number of rigid pellets (84) carrying abrasive material. The tool is driven, in contact with the workpiece surface (S), to perform a ductile grinding operation which results in a finished surface of reduced roughness as compared to conventional grinding operations, while achieving significantly higher material removal rates than comparable ultra-precision grinding techniques. A procedure for preparing the tool for operation by conditioning the tool against a conditioning surface is also described. An exemplary application for the method and apparatus is in the preparation of moulds for moulding curved glass components for use in display screens, in which process a silicon carbide mould cavity surface is shaped using the method to produce a mould cavity surface with a smooth surface finish.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for grinding a workpiece. In one embodiment, a method includes controlling rotation of a workpiece, wherein the workpiece is rotated relative to a first axis, and controlling grinding of the workpiece by a first grinding tool to shape the workpiece, wherein the first grinding tool is rotated relative to a second axis. The method may also include controlling grinding of the workpiece by the grinding tool and rotation of the workpiece to provide grinding of the workpiece with a generally constant surface footage.

Abstract: An apparatus for dressing a grinding wheel mounted on a flex-arm, the apparatus including a base, a post, a dresser and a guide, wherein when the flex-arm is in an unengaged position with the apparatus, the flex-arm is capable of movement along at least two directional axes, and wherein when the flex-arm is in an engaged position with the apparatus, the flex-arm is restricted to movement along one directional axis.