Abstract: The present invention is drawn to apparatuses and methods for producing improved spirally cut meat products, such as spirally cut hams. The apparatus includes a shaft having a pad disposed at one end, said shaft slidably arranged includes a hollow tube mounted to a bracket. The apparatus includes a lever that rotates about a pivot mounted to the bracket. One end of the lever may engage with the end of the shaft opposite the pad. The apparatus includes an elastic member having one end attached to the tube and the other end affixed to the end of the shaft opposite the pad. As the lever rotates, the shaft may be pushed through the tube in one direction, or pulled in the tube in the other direction, depending on the direction, of rotation of the lever. The bracket may be configured to mount to a meat slicing device having a cutting element that projects through the bracket. Methods of spirally cutting meat products using the meat slicing device and the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to extendable rods for use in orthopedic assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with procedures to treat spinal deformities, including, but not limited to, early onset scoliosis.

Abstract: A printing unit has a printing form cylinder. A plate changer is arranged in a manner which is allocated to the printing form cylinder. The plate changer has a bearing surface on which a printing form, which is arranged or is to be arranged on the printing form cylinder, can be laid. That bearing surface is arranged such that it can be moved to and fro between at least two defined positions longitudinally with respect to the rotational axis of the printing form cylinder. The printing form is arranged and registered on the bearing surface of the plate changer. At least two edges of a carrier for the relevant printing form, which are arranged at a right angle with respect to each other, are brought into physical contact with register pins which are arranged on the bearing surface of the plate changer.

Abstract: A spinal correction implant comprises a body extending between a first end and a second end. The body has a curvature. A first longitudinal element is connected with the first end. A ratchet is disposed with the body. A second longitudinal element is connected to the ratchet and is incrementally movable relative to the body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An external fixation system and method for realigning, compressing or distracting broken bones has a planar ring element with an adjustable device having a body releasably mounted on the ring element. The adjustable device includes a first member for movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the ring element. A second member is mounted on the first member for movement in a direction parallel to the first member and with respect to a circumference of the planar ring element. The method includes inserting a k-wire through a first piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the ring element. Then inserting a second k-wire through a second piece of bone and affixing the k-wire to the adjustable device second member. The pieces of bone are realigned, compressed or distracted by adjusting at least one of a first and second adjustable members forming the device.

Abstract: One or more support elements radially extend through one or more openings defined in a turbine engine casing and are configured to centralize and at least partially support a rotor assembly of the engine during an engine disassembly or assembly procedure. The support elements are configured to transfer any rotor assembly weight loads to an engine casing while a bearing support of the rotor assembly is absent or removed.

Abstract: A fixing structure (10) of a distribution member has a plurality of pins provided on one of an annular distribution member and a stator in a predetermined arrangement relation in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of holes provided in the other one of the annular distribution member and the stator so that the plurality of pins are fitted thereinto, respectively. In the fixing structure, each pin and a corresponding hole form one fitting set and the tightening margin of each fitting set has a different value.

Abstract: A system for retaining a film on a single-piece frame includes a frame having a shape with a center open area larger than the film, the frame comprising a plurality of fingers on the frame extending into the open area, and a barb positioned on an end of each of the plurality of fingers, wherein the barbs retain the film. The system also includes an end effecter comprising a first and second plurality of vacuum line openings, wherein the end effecter holds onto the film with the first plurality of vacuum line openings and holds onto the frame with the second plurality of vacuum line openings, wherein the end effecter picks up the film with the first plurality of vacuum line openings and presses the film onto the frame, wherein pressing the film onto the frame will retain the film on the barbs.

Abstract: A lift pin is provided for manipulating a substrate above a support surface of a substrate support and uniformly transferring heat from the substrate support to the substrate. The lift pin includes a pin shaft. The pin shaft includes a cross-section having at least three equal edges and round corners configured alternatively. A pin head is an end portion of the pin shaft, wherein the pin head has a convex support surface larger than the cross-section of the pin shaft. A flat portion is disposed on a central area of the convex support surface for directly contacting the substrate.

Abstract: A specimen slicing guide for use in slicing a biopsy specimen taken from a human patient or an animal patient includes a base extending in a longitudinal direction. A plurality of needles extends substantially perpendicularly to the base and the needles are spaced along the longitudinal direction of the base. Two specimen slicing guides are coupled via at least one link, which is adapted to allow an adjustable spacing of the two specimen slicing guides in a parallel relationship. A method of cutting a biopsy specimen includes fixing the biopsy specimen relative to a support surface using the needles of two, parallel-arranged specimen slicing guides, inserting a cutting tool between corresponding needle gap pairs and then downwardly moving the cutting tool under guidance of adjacent needles.

Abstract: A method for the operation of a panel placement system for punching presses wherein a feed slide is moved between the punching die of the punching press and a transfer position located in front of the punching press. A first connection mechanism of the feed slide, in the transfer position, seizes a panel in the rear area to advance it stepwise through the punching press in response to the cycle of said punching press, wherein the panel is gripped exclusively from above in a rear edge area which is located between the rear edge and the surfaces to be punched out.

Abstract: A fixing structure (10) of a distribution member has a plurality of pins provided on one of an annular distribution member and a stator in a predetermined arrangement relation in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of holes provided in the other one of the annular distribution member and the stator so that the plurality of pins are fitted thereinto, respectively. In the fixing structure, each pin and a corresponding hole form one fitting set and the tightening margin of each fitting set has a different value.

Abstract: A portable surgical workstation for implant formation comprising a base with a central planar section. The central planar section has a plurality of tracks and a throughgoing slot with a recessed stepped surrounding surface formed on a bottom surface of the central planar section. A vise assembly mounted to the base comprises a fixed jaw member secured to the base, a traveling jaw member moveably mounted to the base and a fixed drive housing mounted to the base. The traveling jaw member has a plurality of rail members adapted to be slidably mounted in the central planar section tracks. The fixed drive housing has a threaded longitudinal bore which receives a threaded drive shaft, one end of the drive shaft being secured in the traveling jaw member to transport the traveling jaw members.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a fixture bolt assembly is disclosed. The fixture bolt assembly includes a fixture housing that defines a bore therethrough and a cavity. A securement member is disposed through the bore and the cavity. A retaining member is disposed on the securement member and within the cavity of the fixture housing. In an embodiment for a method in accordance with the present invention, a method of mounting a securement member on a fixture housing is disclosed. The method includes the steps of disposing the securement member through a bore and cavity defined by the fixture housing. A retaining member is disposed on the securement member within the cavity of the fixture housing.

Abstract: A method for singulating a substrate containing semiconductor components is performed using a nest for holding the substrate, a prestage alignment base for aligning the substrate during a prestage alignment step, and a vacuum cutting base for holding the nest and the substrate during a cutting step. The prestage alignment base includes locator pins configured to engage locator openings on the substrate to align the substrate on the nest. As the cutting base does not include the locator pins, the cutting step can be performed without saw scrap collecting on the locator pins. A system for performing the method includes the nest and the prestage alignment base having the locator pins configured to engage the locator openings on the substrate. The system also includes the sawing base which includes pedestals with vacuum conduits for holding the substrate stationary on the nest for sawing.

Abstract: The present invention provides optimized designs that allow the coverage of the full surface of a receiving face in a substrate while at the same time reducing material deposition on the edge of the substrate, material deposition on and/or scratching of the backside of the substrate. While the methods and apparatus of the invention are described within the framework of aluminum deposition chambers, it is contemplated that the invention will be equally effective in all other semiconductor processing chambers where avoiding edge and/or backside deposition, scratching, and/or sticking may be desirable. The invention provides a support member having a deposit collection channel with slanted walls to trap deposit particles that do not depose of the substrate thus preventing deposition and sticking in the backside of a processed substrate.