Abstract: A composition and method of making a high-strength low-alloy hot-rolled steel sheet, strip, or plate bearing titanium as the principal or only microalloy strengthening element. The steel is substantially ferritic and has a microstructure that is at least 20% acicular ferrite. The steel has a minimum yield strength of at least 345 MPa (50 ksi) and even over 621 MPa (90 ksi) adding titanium as the lone microalloy element for strengthening, with elongation of 15% and more. Addition of vanadium, niobium, or a combination thereof can result in yield strengths exceeding 621 MPa (90 ksi). Effective titanium content, being the content of titanium in the steel not in the form of nitrides, oxides, or sulfides, is in the range of 0.01 to 0.12% by weight. The manufacturing process includes continuously casting a thin slab and reducing the slab thickness using thermomechanical controlled processing, including dynamic recrystallization controlled rolling.

Abstract: An actuator for use in an active mount system for reducing vibration transmission from a vibrating component to a support structure. The actuator is disposed in a housing that is attached to the vibrating component or the support structure. The actuator includes a piston moveably disposed in a casing, and a piston rod assembly that is connected to the other one of the vibrating component or the support structure. A seal assembly, disposed either in a groove in the piston or in a groove in the casing, provides a seal between the piston and casing. The seal assembly includes an annular seal member comprising polytetrafluoroethylene resin, backing rings on each side of the seal member, and an annular compression spring in the groove between one of the backing rings and one edge of the groove.

Abstract: An estate planning method for minimizing transfer tax liability with respect to the transfer of the value of stock options from a holder of stock options to a family member of the holder. The method comprises establishing a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) funded with nonqualified stock options. The method maximizes the transfer of wealth from the grantor of the GRAT to a family member by minimizing the amount of estate and gift taxes paid. By placing the options outside the grantor's estate, the method takes advantage of the appreciation of the options in said GRAT. In one embodiment the method also maximizes the amount transferred to the family member by keeping as many of the options as possible in the GRAT until immediately prior to the termination of the GRAT, when the grantor substitutes an equivalent value of assets into the GRAT for the remaining options, and then exercises the options.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mounting a semiconductor to a heat sink. A clamp is provided comprising a spring beam mounted to a clamp body, wherein the body restricts the spring beam ends and the spring beam has a convex curvature relative to an adjacent power semiconductive module. The portion of the spring beam near its apex contacts the module, applying force to bias a heat-transmitting surface of the module against a heat sink. When temperature increases, the spring beam expands to add additional clamping force to the module. Further embodiments provide making the spring beam from a material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion and the clamp body from a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, further increasing the force that may be applied by the spring beam with increases in temperature. The spring beam may comprise layers of different materials to increase the applied force.

Abstract: A double acting pneumatic motor having a cylinder, a piston within the cylinder that divides the cylinder into two cavities that vary in volume with movement of the piston, a source of fluid under pressure, and a valve assembly for alternately directing fluid to one cavity while exhausting the other cavity to make the piston reciprocate. The valve assembly resides in a housing, and includes a cylindrical spool that moves axially between two positions with at least one enlarged diameter portion between smaller diameter portions at each end. The pneumatic motor may be provided with a cover for attenuating sound from the exhaust.

Abstract: A shock and acoustic mount for reducing transmission of forces between two relatively moveable members such as a mounted component and a supporting structure, providing a compressible fluid spring with large allowable relative movement of the mounted component and support structure. The mount comprises a casing, a piston shell with one end disposed in the casing and another end extending outside of the casing, and a piston housed in the piston shell, all relatively moveable in response to external axial forces. In one embodiment, the mount is filled with a compressible fluid, such as air, providing an air spring. The piston is sealingly bonded to the inner surface of the piston shell, the bond accommodating acoustic and vibration forces by deformation of the bond material. An annular seal between the piston shell and the casing accommodates large and shock forces.