Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in association with a medical procedure. In one form, a device for bending an elongate member includes a support platform and a plurality of engaging members positioned on the support platform. Each of the plurality of engaging members includes at least one engaging portion configured for positioning in contact with the elongate member. Each of the plurality of engaging members is movable in at least three directions relative to the support platform to form one or more bends in the elongate member. In one aspect, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material and the device includes a heating member configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A closing machine (1) for closing a rotating work piece (9) by pressing a heated die (4) against the work piece (9) comprises an air purge box (510) which opens onto the vicinity of the work piece (9), air supply means for supplying air to the air purge box (510), and a sensor (501, 502) provided in the interior of the air purge box (510) to detect a state of the work piece (9) or the die (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling or regulating the temperature of a metal strip in a cooling path of a hot rolling system. A desired temperature gradient is compared to an actual temperature gradient in order to determine adjusting signals for the cooling path. At least one target function is formed for actuators of the cooling strip, taking into account auxiliary conditions, and said target function is solved as a quadratic optimization problem for the purpose of model predictive regulation. The invention also relates to an overlapping regulation for the finishing train and the cooling path of the hot rolling system.

Abstract: According to a method, initial temperatures (T1) of strip points (101) are detected when the hot-rolled strip (6) is fed to the production line. The strip points (101) are monitored on their way through the production line. The hot-rolled strip (6) is subjected to temperature influences (delta T) in the production line (3). The strip points (101), the initial temperatures (T1), the monitored values (W(t)) and the temperature influences (delta T) are supplied to a model (9) for the production line (3). The model (9) determines expected actual temperatures (T2) of the strip points (101) in real time and allocates them to the strip points as the new actual temperatures (T2).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a press, such as a forge or trim press, are directed at activating a ram in a press having a lower die and an upper die connected to a ram by heating a workpiece to a first temperature above an impact temperature. The workpiece then is placed on the lower die, monitored during chill down of the workpiece from the first temperature, and the ram actuated based upon the monitoring in a controlled manner to effect an impact of the upper die against the workpiece. The monitoring includes measuring a characteristic parameter of the workpiece and the actuating includes actuating the ram after a predetermined fixed value of the measured parameter is measured. The placing of the workpiece on the lower die is done manually in the preferred embodiment.