Abstract: A workholding device for positioning a workpiece on a machining equipment, comprising a sacrificial support for supporting the workpiece, a workpiece holding layer formed of a curable material applied onto the sacrificial support, a curable material collector, a curing processing unit which comprises a controller and a curing rate regulator, and a bearing assembly for supporting the sacrificial support, the curable material collector and the curing processing unit, wherein the curable material is a solid which is viscous before curing and elastic after curing and has a melting point above 1000° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for machining a component, comprising: installing the component on a fixture, causing a medium of the fixture to solidify to encase a first portion of the component, applying a toolset to a second portion of the component that is outside of the solidified medium, and subsequent to applying the toolset, extracting the component from the fixture when the medium is in one of a liquid state or a semi-liquid state, where the medium has a melting-point temperature that is less than 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Disclosed is a fixture for machining a component, comprising: a medium configured to encase a first portion of the component when the medium is in a solidified state, and a toolset configured to be applied to a second portion of the component that is outside of the solidified medium, the medium having a melting-point temperature that is less than 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A method of preparing an orthodontic bracket. Such an orthodontic bracket has a bracket bonding pad and a bracket body with a bracket slot. The method has steps of providing a precursor of an orthodontic bracket into a machine for modifying the shape of the orthodontic bracket precursor. The orthodontic bracket precursor has an alignment structure of a pre-determined geometry. Further the alignment structure and the bracket slot are spatially arranged relative to each other at a pre-determined distance and orientation. The method further has the steps of aligning the orthodontic bracket precursor based on the alignment structure and embedding the orthodontic bracket precursor at least partially in a liquid. The liquid is cause to solidify and thereby the orthodontic bracket precursor is retained in position. The so retained orthodontic bracket precursor is changed in shape.

Abstract: A jig for supporting a display screen including a platform, a stop and a support is provided. The stop is located on the platform. The support is located at one side of the platform and includes an arcuate surface for supporting the display screen, wherein the display screen is placed on the stop before turning over and is supported by the arcuate surface after turning over. The jig adopts the arcuate surface to contact a surface of a supported object. When turning the supported object over, contact area between the supported object and the arcuate surface can be constantly changed, so that a force exerted on the supported object is even so as to avoid a cracking of the supported object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch hub. The clutch hub (1) comprises a hub body (2) with an axial passage opening (4) for receiving a shaft (5) and with in each case one face side (3a, 3b) at the two axial ends of the passage opening (4). An internal surface (6) is formed in the passage opening (4), and a flat surface (7a, 7b) annularly surrounding the passage opening (4) is formed on each of the face sides (3a, 3b). The internal surface (6) is covered by an electrical insulation coating (8) in the form of a ceramic coating. The electrical insulation coating (8) also, in continuous fashion, covers a respective annular region (9a, 9b), surrounding the passage opening (4), on the flat surfaces (7a, 7b) and a transition region (10a, 10b) formed between the internal surface (6) and the respective annular region (9a 9b).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a clamping apparatus for fixing in a recess of a component and for holding a workpiece carrier against the component. The clamping apparatus includes a housing for attachment to the workpiece carrier and a clamping sleeve for insertion into the recess. A clamping mandrel is at least partially disposed inside the clamping sleeve. The clamping mandrel is movable relative to the clamping sleeve between a release position and a clamp position. When the clamping sleeve is inserted into the recess and the clamping mandrel is in the clamp position, the clamping sleeve is braced within the recess by a holding force so as to be in a clamped position. When the clamping sleeve is in the clamped position, the housing is movable relative to the clamping mandrel, which permits the housing to move the workpiece carrier into contact with the component and apply a bearing force thereagainst.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable part holding fixture, system and method. The fixture has a base assembly with a container and a phase change material contained within the container. The fixture has a control device to convert the phase change material between a non-rigid state and a rigid state. The fixture has a plurality of part holding assemblies, each having a base anchoring portion for insertion into and positioning in the phase change material, and a part attachment portion configured to releasably attach to a surface of a part being held by the fixture. The phase change material in the non-rigid state allows for positioning of the base anchoring portion and adjusting to the part being held, and the phase change material in the rigid state holds the base anchoring portion in a desired position and holds the part in place during one or more processes performed on the part.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a mold is provided for receiving a tissue specimen and molten embedding material that improves the ease of withdrawing the embedded tissue specimen. The mold has a barrier coating intimately bonded to one or more surfaces of the mold that repels the attraction of the embedding material to the one or more mold surfaces and produces a positive meniscus of the embedding material in the mold. The barrier coating permits the mold to be re-used without needing to manually re-apply a release agent to the mold before using the mold. Further, the barrier coating permits the use of more aggressive draft angles than conventional molds by reducing the frictional engagement between the embedding material and the mold cavity surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using an apparatus to machine honeycomb cores are disclosed. A honeycomb core is inserted into a channel in an apparatus with removable dams. The core is flooded with a fluid which is frozen. The frozen block is machined while supported by the apparatus. The block is then melted and the machined honeycomb is removed.

Abstract: A jig device holding a work piece is used with a milling machine that cuts from the work piece a prosthesis having a surface essentially free of defects. The jig device is inserted repeatedly into the machine in the same predetermined location, even upon inverting the jig device. This maintains the spatial relationship between the jig device and milling so, at start up, they are always in the same exact spatial relationship. The milling machine partially cuts through a first side of the work piece to form in the work piece a cavity having a surface part corresponding to at least a portion of the prosthesis being made. The jig device is then removed from the machine, inverted and reinserted into the machine at the same predetermined location. A support material is placed in the cavity prior to reinserting the jig device. Upon reinserting the jig device, the machine precisely cuts through an opposed side of the work piece to form within the work piece a prosthesis having a surface essentially free of defects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using an apparatus to machine honeycomb cores are disclosed. A honeycomb core is inserted into a channel in an apparatus with removable dams. The core is flooded with a fluid which is frozen. The frozen block is machined while supported by the apparatus. The block is then melted and the machined honeycomb is removed.

Abstract: A wafer carrier includes a base having a cavity provided at the center of the base and an outer sidewall extending along and away from an edge of the base to define the cavity. The cavity is configured to be filled with an adhesive layer. The wafer carrier is configured to be bonded to a wafer with an adhesive layer in the cavity of base such that the outer sidewall faces and is in contact with an edge of the wafer and the cavity faces a center of the wafer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a magnetic attachment mechanism is described. A method is provided for determining the magnetic field axis of an element prior to machining it. The magnetic field axis can be used as a reference to machine an outer surface of the magnetic element at a desired angle. The method provides a means to more precisely align magnetic field axes of corresponding magnets in a magnetic attachment system.

Abstract: The present invention is a laminated body including a substrate, a joining layer positioned adjacent the substrate, a photothermal conversion layer positioned adjacent the joining layer, and a light transmitting support positioned adjacent the photothermal conversion layer. The photothermal conversion layer includes a metal absorbing layer.

Abstract: A method of deblocking an ophthalmic lens component (100) blocked on a thermoplastic layer (310) arranged on the holding surface (210) of a lens holding block (200) comprising the step of applying a pushing force on the thermoplastic layer (310), wherein the pushing force is greater or equal to 100 N and smaller or equal to 1000 N and wherein the pushing force is applied in a region of the thermoplastic layer (310) situated at a distance of at least 17.5 mm from the fitting point or prism reference point of the ophthalmic lens component (100).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for freezing a tissue sample in preparation of sectioning. Generally, the apparatus comprises a chuck and a tissue heat sink that are adapted to rapidly freeze a tissue sample before being sectioned in a cryostat. While the chuck and heat sink may be made of any suitable material, in some cases, the chuck and heat sink include copper, a copper alloy, bronze, or a bronze alloy. To keep the chuck and heat sink from tarnishing, they can be covered with a non-tarnishing coating material, such as tetrafluoroethylene. Additionally, in order to secure the tissue sample that is embedded in a cutting medium to the chuck, the chuck preferably includes one or more dovetail-shaped apertures, such as a dovetail-shaped groove.

Abstract: Object To provide a substrate assembly apparatus capable of simplifying a structure of the apparatus and performing appropriate detachment of a substrate constantly. Solving Means A substrate assembly apparatus according to the present invention includes a support base and a holding mechanism. The support base is for supporting a lower substrate. The holding mechanism includes a holding surface and a functional element. The holding surface is for holding an upper surface of an upper substrate. The functional element is provided on the holding surface and has a holding force variable in accordance with a magnitude of a voltage. The holding mechanism causes a lower surface of the upper substrate to face an upper surface of the lower substrate supported by the support base. With this structure, it becomes possible to electrically control the holding force with respect to the substrate and simplify the structure of the holding mechanism.

Abstract: A method for grinding a number of objects includes a series of steps from arranging the objects to be ground on a grinding jig (a master plate) through removing the ground objects from the grinding jig after completion of the grinding process, smoothly and precisely without damaging a number of the objects to be ground and without altering the arrangement pattern of the objects to be ground from the start through the end of the series of steps.

Abstract: There is provided a protecting method capable of simply and firmly protecting a required face of an article such that the required face of the article is not damaged or contaminated and capable of extremely simply carrying out a protecting step and a protection releasing step.

Abstract: Electronic device support and processing methods are described. One embodiment includes a method of processing an electronic device including solder bumps extending therefrom. The method includes providing at least one fluid selected from the group consisting of electrorheological fluids and magnorheological fluids on a support structure. The solder bumps extending from the electronic device are positioned in the fluid. The fluid is activated by applying a field selected from the group consisting of an electric field and a magnetic field to the fluid. The activated fluid mechanically holds the electronic device in place. A surface of the electronic device is polished while the electronic device is held in place by the activated fluid. The fluid is deactivated by removing the applied field from the fluid, and the electronic device is separated from the deactivated fluid. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A vise structure for maintaining in position parts which are to be machined, including but not limited to parts which are to undergo micro-milling operations in a fast prototyping process, includes a fixing bed having a cavity for receiving a thermofusible material which is capable of being reversibly brought from a liquid state to a solid state. A free surface of the fixing bed is continuously urged into contact with the surface of a part which is to be machined, and the fixing bed includes apparatus for heating and cooling the thermofusible material to enable a part arranged on the fixing bed to be selectively released and retained in position on the fixing bed.

Abstract: A hole of a hole size is cut in a composite material workpiece by selecting a milling cutter having an effective cutter size less than the hole size, mounting the composite material workpiece in operable relation to the milling cutter, rotating the milling cutter about an axis of rotation, and advancing the milling cutter longitudinally into the composite material workpiece parallel to the axis of rotation at a rate of longitudinal advance, while laterally moving the milling cutter perpendicular to the axis of rotation to interpolate the hole. The rate of longitudinal advance is controlled such that the hole remains substantially a flat-bottomed hole as it is cut. The composite material workpiece is desirably affixed to a backing fixture with an adhesive material during the cutting of the hole.

Abstract: A fixturing or workpiece holding and clamping apparatus or device, as well as method, utilizing the viscosity increase or solidification of a magnetorheological liquid or rigidity increase of a malleable semi-solid or clayish magnetorheological material to secure both regular and irregular shaped workpieces for precision machining or measuring operations. The workpiece is placed in a desired position and orientation in an open cell containing a magnetorheological liquid or medium which conforms to a portion of the surface of the workpiece. A magnet then applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological liquid or material to increase the viscosity or rigidity thereof, applying a uniform clamping pressure to secure the workpiece in the desired position and orientation for machining or measuring operations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vise structure for maintaining parts to be machined, in particular but not exclusively for a micro-milling operation in a fast prototyping process. The invention is characterised in that it consists of a fixing plate (1) provided with reserves suitably distributed wherein is arranged a thermofusible material capable of being reversibly brought from liquid state to solid state whereof the free surface is urged continuously from the surface of said plate, the latter comprising means for heating/cooling (3, 4) said thermofusible material enabling to release/retain the part arranged on said plate.

Abstract: A tool and a method for replacing brake system components for automotive vehicles. The tool is designed to rotatably secure a worn or defective treadle valve side by side with a rotatably secured replacement treadle valve. The treadle valves can be rotated and locked into place to present corresponding faces to the user. The tool and method allows the user to measure the orientation or alignment of threaded fittings on the worn or defective treadle valve, remove them and then install them or their replacement fittings on the replacement treadle valve in the same general orientation or alignment as the fittings had on the worn or defective treadle valve. The tool and method ensures that when the replacement treadle valve is reinstalled on the vehicle, the threaded couplings on the ends of lengths of tubing will align with the fittings installed on the replacement treadle valve.

Abstract: A fixturing or workpiece holding and clamping apparatus or device, as well as method, utilizing the viscosity increase or solidification of a magnetorheological liquid or rigidity increase of a malleable semi-solid or clayish magnetorheological material to secure both regular and irregular shaped workpieces for precision machining or measuring operations. The workpiece is placed in a desired position and orientation in an open cell containing a magnetorheological liquid or medium which conforms to a portion of the surface of the workpiece. A magnet then applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological liquid or material to increase the viscosity or rigidity thereof, applying a uniform clamping pressure to secure the workpiece in the desired position and orientation for machining or measuring operations.

Abstract: A fixturing or workpiece holding and clamping apparatus or device, as well as method, utilizing the viscosity increase or solidification of a magnetorheological fluid work contacting medium to secure both regular and irregular shaped workpieces for precision machining or measuring operations. The apparatus or device comprises a perforated fixture into which the workpiece is placed in a desired position and orientation. The perforated fixture and positioned workpiece are placed in an open cell containing a magnetorheological fluid which conforms to a portion of the surface of the workpiece. A magnet then applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid to increase the viscosity thereof and to solidify the fluid around the workpiece with a uniform clamping pressure, securing the workpiece in the desired position and orientation for machining or measuring operations.

Abstract: A tissue chuck for use with a chuck holder for preparing a tissue sample for sectioning in a cryostat or the like, includes a base, having a tissue mounting surface and a heat transfer surface, and a plurality of fins for transferring heat from the heat transfer surface. Each fin terminates in a fin end, and each fin end is in spaced relation to the base.

Abstract: A work piece holding apparatus uses a magnetorheological fluid for holding a work piece firmly for machining process and/or measurements. The apparatus includes a cell with a hollow space in it and magnetorheological fluid is put into the hollow space. A special fixture with a hollow space in it is used to hold a work piece by screws in the wall or walls. The fixture with a work piece in it is fastened inside the cell dipped in magnetorheological fluid to absorb the extra force beyond the holding power supplied by magnetorheological fluid alone. It then overcomes any climbing that may happen during any process. A magnetic field is supplied to the cell to make the magnetorheological fluid work. It is well known that if a magnetic field is applied to a magnetorheological fluid, the viscosity of the fluid will be increased tremendously and behaves almost like a solid.

Abstract: A hand protector includes a cup open at a bottom end and of the size to admit a hand, a handle within the compass of said cup, the handle being of a size to be grasped by the hand, the handle being hollow for at least part of its length, with an open mouth opening through an otherwise closed top end of the cup, and a plug of pliable material in the mouth. The pliable material is of a consistency and axial length such as to receive and removably to hold the stem of a pyrotechnic device, such as a sparkler or punk stick, or even a long match.

Abstract: A support fixture to support a PC card, having components on side 1. A backing plate supports a casting, the casting having a nest. The surface of the nest is characterized in that it is a slightly larger mirror image of the side 1 of the PC card. The backing plate has apertures and the casting is received in the apertures to lock the casting to the backing plate. Vacuum holes are formed in the backing plate, to draw a vacuum to hold the PC card in a planar position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for chucking and machining a workpiece using a freezing type chuck device. A macromolecular freezing agent whose freezing point is higher than that of water is interposed at least between a workpiece and a fixing surface, and the workpiece is fixed using this macromolecular freezing agent as an adhesive medium by cooling the fixing surface. The macromolecular freezing agent may be a liquid, a cream or a paste, and is typically silicone oil based. The workpiece may be directly fixed to the fixing surface of a freezing type chuck device by the macromolecular freezing agent or alternatively the workpiece may be fixed to a pallet by the macromolecular freezing agent and the pallet may be fixed to the fixing surface.

Abstract: A tissue chuck for use with a chuck holder for preparing a tissue sample for sectioning in a cryostat or the like, includes a base, having a tissue mounting surface and a heat transfer surface, and a plurality of fins for transferring heat from the heat transfer surface. Each fin terminates in a fin end, and each fin end is in spaced relation to the base.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of thin-walled workpieces is held for machining in a machine in a respective rigid holder. Ends of unmachined workpieces are each first imbedded in a molten body of a metal alloy having a melting point between 45.degree. C. and 140.degree. C. contained in a respective one of the rigid holders in a cooling station and having a negative expansion coefficient. The holder and the alloy body are cooled in the cooling station to solidify the body around the imbedded end of the unmachined workpiece and the cooled holder is displaced with the unmachined workpiece from the cooling station into the machine. After machining of the workpiece in the holder, the holder is displaced from the machine into a heating station where it is heated to melt the alloy body. Then the machined workpiece is lifted out of the molten body in the heating station and the holder with the molten alloy body is recirculated from the heating station to the cooling station.

Abstract: A device for releasing of a frozen screw pressed against a contact surface uses a compression disc pre-loaded to an anticipated amount of deflection prior to mounting between the contact surface and the screw. The disc has an insert formed from a granulated material mixed with a water soluble binder, allowing to wash out the insert and cause collapse of the disc, so as to break the connection between the contact surface and the screw.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of thin-walled workpieces is held for machining in a machine in a respective rigid holder. Ends of unmachined workpieces are each first imbedded in a molten body of a metal alloy having a melting point between 45.degree. C. and 140.degree. C. contained in a respective one of the rigid holders in a cooling station and having a negative expansion coefficient. The holder and the alloy body are cooled in the cooling station to solidify the body around the imbedded end of the unmachined workpiece and the cooled holder is displaced with the unmachined workpiece from the cooling station into the machine. After machining of the workpiece in the holder, the holder is displaced from the machine into a heating station where it is heated to melt the alloy body. Then the machined workpiece is lifted out of the molten body in the heating station and the holder with the molten alloy body is recirculated from the heating station to the cooling station.

Abstract: A fixture for use in the final machining operation of the integral bladed rotor (IBR) of a gas turbine engine comprises a rigid ring for surrounding the outer periphery of the IBR and supporting tapered pins that fit into the space between the blades and then molded therein with a plaster or plastic medium for securing the unit to the IBR for enhancing its structural integrity. The method of finishing the airfoils of the IBR includes inserting the pins in alternate spaces and working half of the blade surfaces in the pinless spaces and then removing the pins and inserting pins in the previously worked spaces and then molding the pins in place. The other half of the bladed surface is then worked in the pinless spaces until the airfoils are finally contoured. The unit is removed and heated to melt the residual cast medium to produce the finished product.

Abstract: A semiconductor single crystal ingot cutting jig is shaped as a cylinder having a diameter approximately equal to an ingot diameter. A recess is provided at one end of the jig for receiving a head (or tail) of the ingot. An adhesive is provided in the recess so as to adhere the ingot to the jig when the head (or tail) of the ingot is inserted into the recess. Then, the ingot is fixed on a bed of a band-saw slicing machine. The head (or tail) of the ingot is fixed on the jig and thus will not overturn at the time just before finishing the cutting or at the end of cutting. This can prevent a blade of a band saw slicing machine from being damaged.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for parting an electroformed article from a mandrel including: (a) solidifying a liquid that is disposed between a parting device and the article, thereby joining the parting device to the article via the solidified liquid; and (b) moving the parting device in a direction of separation of the article from the mandrel while the parting device is joined to the article via the solidified liquid to assist in separation of the article from the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention includes a self-aligning die platen assembly for use with a cooperating die platen assembly to form a die set. The self-aligning die platen assembly comprises a die shoe and a platen having a working face for operational cooperation with a corresponding working face of the cooperating die platen assembly. The platen is mounted in the die shoe and has a freely rockable condition therein which permits the platen to be moved into an aligned operational position in which its working face conforms to the corresponding working face of the cooperating die platen when the assemblies are closed. The die platen assembly also includes a locking element for securely maintaining the self-aligning platen in the operational position. A preferred locking device includes a low temperature melting alloy.

Abstract: The jewelry fixture 10, 38, 60 includes a rigid support and a low temperature polymeric material. The configuration of the rigid support may be altered for supporting a pendant, earrings, a bracelet, a necklace or a ring thereon. The low temperature polymeric material is preferably a cyclic ester polymer heated to a temperature of less than about 160.degree. F. by contacting the polymeric material with heated water. The heated polymeric material is positioned on the support, and the jewelry is pressed partially into the heated polymeric material. The polymeric material is then allowed to harden at room temperature. The present invention substantially reduces damage while working on jewelry, and provides a reliable fixture for supporting the jewelry during manufacture, modification or repair.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for permanently attaching to fabric in a right-side up orientation decorative objects such as rhinestones or nailheads using conventional setting hardware such as tiffany settings and/or rim settings and nail heads. The apparatus employs an upper die having a bore filled with a viscous material that extends into a lower groove of the upper die and a pressure closure to permit maintaining the amount of viscous material in the groove.

Abstract: A process for generating an entertainment audio signal interrupted by advertising audio signals in which pilot signals associated with the advertising audio signals cause switching between the entertainment audio signals and the advertising audio signals makes it possible to broadcast different radio programs of the desired acoustic quality in a shop by means of a carrier frequency. To this end, a high-frequency control signal is generated from advertising audio signals and pilot signals which precede or follow the advertising audio signals. The control signal and preferably the entertainment audio signal are modulated to a high-frequency carrier signal, possibly with several channels, for the separate recovery of the signals. The modulated carrier signal is transmitted, the transmitted carrier signal is demodulated and, if necessary, the signals are separated from each other. The pilot signals of the transmitted control signals are monitored for the presence of fading or flashback conditions.

Abstract: A method for fixing pieces by freezing which consists in fixing the pieces o be machined on an auxiliary support having good thermal conductivity, for example made of aluminium, by freezing onto an freeze vice on the copper plate of which there has previously been deposited a film of antifreeze liquid. The auxiliary support is fixed to the freeze vice by vacuum, by magnetism, or by any mechanical clamping. This method makes it possible to eliminate the operation and the time for thawing which, up until now, was required for removing the pieces to be machined from the freeze vice. The auxiliary support may be used as a transfer pallet on which the pieces are held by freezing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for fixturing and manufacturing a machined workpiece, an article of manufacture including, in combination, a workholder and a workpiece, and a core box used to form the workholder. The workholder preferably is made of a cured resin bonded sand mixture. The workpiece is placed within the core box. Then the uncured resin bonded sand mixture is packed about the workpiece in the core box and allowed to cure to form a frangible workholder for securing the workpiece. The core box may then be disassembled to release the workholder. The workholder next is positioned and affixed relative to a machining apparatus and machined. Mechanical forces, such as impact blows and/or abrading particles, such as sand or shot, are applied to the frangible workholder to disintegrate the workholder from about the machined workpiece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a drum blank for machining includes inserting a cylindrical mandrel within a bore of a drum blank, introducing a liquid support material into a space between the outer diameter of the mandrel and the inner diameter of the drum blank, and solidifying the support material. Once the support material is solidified, the drum blank is securely held to the mandrel. Machining operations can be performed by mounting the assembly in a lathe. After machining is completed, the support material may be treated so that the mandrel can be removed from the drum blank. The mandrel may then be recycled.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting a double-sided surface mount printed circuit board during installation of components on a second side of the board. After components have been installed on one side of the board, a slab of controllably shapable material such as thermally compliant foam is shaped by pressing it against the board under heat and pressure to conform to the shape of the board and its components. When the material cools, it is used to support the board during the installation of components on the other side. In an alternate embodiment, a viscous substance is used as the shapable material and is conformed to the shape of the board while the substance is being hardened. A board on which components are being installed may be held in place on the fixture by a vacuum which is supplied from a manifold through holes in the fixture to the board.

Abstract: A fixture for workpieces which are poorly adapted for direct clamping on a machine tool comprises a casing having an upper part and a lower part. The casing has a cavity whose shape roughly corresponds to the contour of the workpiece. The remaining interstitial space or crack between the inner casing wall and the workpiece is filled with a hardenable casting material so that the workpiece is securely held when the casting material sets around it. For clamping of the securing body onto a grinding machine, lathe, or other machine tool, the casing comprises a clampable portion with reference surfaces.

Abstract: A blocking mechanism comprises a similified rotary dial mechanism and a l clamp which automatically depressurizes a molten alloy tank in response to a release of the lens clamp pressure. A lens seat is provided with a raised resilient pad to accommodate the recessed portion of a bifocal lens. The application of final lens clamping pressure cannot occur until the lens clamp contacts the lens in order to assure that an operator's finger cannot become accidentally pinched.

Abstract: There are disclosed jigs that are used in the present invention. These jigs are directed to hold and retain left, right and intra-proximal attachment forms prior to and during the soldering of the attachment to a crown. Each jig has a precisely formed head portion sized and shaped to receive and retain a mating engaging portion of the attachment so that the attachment is soldered in a predetermined position to the crown. The jig is made of a high temperature material and has a tail portion that is integral with and extends from the shaped head so that both the jig and the crown may be retained in an investment material during the soldering of the attachment to the crown. The attachments are used for bridges or partial restorations. Preferably the jig is provided with a scored surface to provide an improved gipping surface while imbedded in the investment material during soldering.