Abstract: The present invention relates to composite articles including a surface layer of tin, lead, silver or an alloy thereof that contains co-deposited non-ionic polymeric particles to provide a reduced-friction deposit that has an initially low coefficient of friction and low insertion force and fretting corrosion in separable electronic connectors, and to methods for preparing the plated articles. The polymeric particles have a size between about 0.1 to 0.45 .mu.m in diameter to reduce the coefficient of friction of the resultant deposit to about 0.45 or below. Also, the deposit has excellent electrical properties and can be successfully soldered. The invention also relates to a solution for plating the surface layer of the composite articles, which surface layer reduces insertion force and fretting corrosion of separable electronic connectors.

Abstract: A process for integrally molding an assembly having parts in a die lock situation, in a single modeling step, with the process steps of has the steps of providing a composite component with a predefined contour, molding a core fuel rail integrated with the composite component, connecting the core fuel rail to a main core structure, overmolding the combined core fuel rail and main core structure to form a finished assembly, removing and melting out the combined core fuel rail and main core structure and extracting the composite component to provide the finished assembly with a substantially accurate finish. The core fuel rails and injector pockets are molded together with the main manifold body in a single step although the injector pockets are in a die lock situation relative to the main manifold body. The interior surfaces of the injector pockets molded using the present invention have a substantially accurate finish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solution and method for plating tin, lead, or tin-lead alloy deposits which contain a co-deposit of fluorocarbon particles to provide a lower-friction solder-type deposit which reduces insertion force and fretting corrosion in separable electronic connectors. The fluorocarbon particles have a size between about 0.1 to 1 .mu.m in diameter, and reduce the coefficient of friction of the resultant deposit to 0.8 or less. Also, the deposit has excellent mechanical properties and can be successfully soldered.

Abstract: A laminated fuel line has an inner layer of a synthetic material such as Nylon, an intermediate vapor barrier layer that contains a polyethylene terephathalate material (such as MYLAR), and an outer layer preferably of a high temperature resistant thermoplastic material such as a polyamide or VICHEM olefinic/PVC. A channeled fuel tube has an inner fuel jacket concentrically formed within and spaced from a relatively larger outer jacket, each of which can be formed with the laminated structure above. A connector for the channeled fuel line has a tubular end connecting element for Connecting between the inner and outer fuel lines, a tubular inner connecting element for connecting to the inner line through the end connecting element, and a tubular outer connecting element connecting over both the end connecting element and the inner connecting element. The outer connecting element has a first passageway for communicating with the inner line and a second passageway for communicating with the outer line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for integrally molding an assembly, having parts in a die lock situation, in a single molding step. The molding process of the present invention has the steps of providing a composite component with a predefined contour, molding a core fuel rail integrated with the composite component, connecting the core fuel rail to a main core structure, overmolding the combined core fuel rail and main core structure to form a finished assembly, removing and melting out the combined core fuel rail and main core structure and extracting the composite component to provide the finished assembly with a substantially accurate finish. The present invention also relates to a manifold with integrally formed core fuel rails. The core fuel rails and injector pockets are molded together with the main manifold body in a single step although the injector pockets are in a die lock situation relative to the main manifold body.

Abstract: A laminated fuel line has an inner layer of a synthetic material such as Nylon, an intermediate vapor barrier layer that contains a polyethylene terephathalate material (such as MYLAR), and an outer layer preferably of a high temperature resistant thermoplastic material such as a polyamide or VICHEM olefinic/PVC. A channeled fuel tube has an inner fuel jacket concentrically formed within and spaced from a relatively larger outer jacket, each of which can be formed with the laminated structure above. A connector for the channeled fuel line has a tubular end connecting element for connecting between the inner and outer fuel lines, a tubular inner connecting element for connecting to the inner line through the end connecting element, and a tubular outer connecting element connecting over both the end connecting element and the inner connecting element. The outer connecting element has a first passageway for communicating with the inner line and a second passageway for communicating with the outer line.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible corrugated tube comprising a plurality of corrugations and connecting members for connecting each of said corrugations for reinforcement of same, wherein the first pair and last pair of corrugations are each connected by at least one connecting member, and all other corrugations are connected by at least one first and at least one second connecting member, with the first connecting members being offset with respect to the second connecting members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure regulator and dampener assembly which can regulate the liquid pressure and, at the same time, absorb liquid pressure pulse waves in a liquid system. The pressure regulator and dampener assembly comprises a housing and diaphragm means dividing the housing into a control chamber, a liquid chamber adjacent to the control chamber and a dampening chamber adjacent to the liquid chamber. An inlet and an outlet are used by which liquid enters and exits the liquid chamber. A valve means is mounted on the diaphragm means for controlling liquid exiting the liquid chamber. The assembly further comprises an adjusting means for controlling the valve means to move between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A coupling for holding two tubes together and including a housing member connected to the end of one of the tubes and a locking collar rotatably mounted in said housing for rotation between a first rotative position in clamping engagement with an end of a second tube inserted into the housing and into fluid communication with the first tube and a second rotative position permitting insertion of the end of the second tube into the housing.

Abstract: A low melting aluminum brazing alloy of about 15-25 wt. percent silver, about 15-25 wt. percent copper, about 1-5 wt. percent silicon, about 0-3 wt. percent zinc, about 0-2 wt. percent magnesium, about 0-2 wt. percent iron and the balance essentially aluminum and incidental impurities. Also, a brazing product of this alloy and a method of joining aluminum components using the brazing product.

Abstract: A white gold alloy composition consisting essentially of about 35 to 50 weight percent of gold, about 35 to 63 weight percent of silver, about 0.1 to 7 weight percent of a whitening component of zinc, germanium or both, and palladium in an amount of about 9 weight percent or less. The whitening component and the palladium are present in an amount sufficient to impart a white gold appearance and a liquidus temperature of no greater than about 1950.degree. F. to the alloy, preferably between about 1700.degree. and 1900.degree. F., and more preferably less than about 1850.degree. F. Thus, the preferred amount of palladium is about 2 to 5 weight percent and the preferred amount of the whitening component is about 0.5 to 6 weight percent.

Abstract: A one step ceramic brazing material preferably for use in joining ceramics to each other or in joining a ceramic to a metal. The brazing material includes a strip of a metal of alloy and greater than 3% titanium or titanium hydride in powder form, in a polymer coating thereon, to enhance the wettability of the braze metal onto ceramics and metals. The brazing material is made in the form of a coated strip so that it can be stamped to washers rings or discs for particular applications.

Abstract: A rotary temperature control device which includes a vent pulley, a control pulley having a bevel gear associated therewith, a flexible cable which extends from the control pulley to the vent pulley and a shaft having a pinion gear associated therewith for driving the bevel gear, thus providing rotational movement to the vent pulley. The cable preferably has first and second ends and an intermediate portion therebetween which defines first and second segments, wherein the first and second ends are secured to the vent pulley while the intermediate portion is secured to the control pulley.

Abstract: A modular brake system having a housing and cables connecting a foot or hand brake lever and wheel brakes. The first cable passes through the housing and a reactive slide member therein which simultaneously imports tension to two or more cables to actuate the braking mechanism of one or more wheels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assembling a modular brake system on a vehicle by the steps of preparing a reactive slide member having pins to facilitate reciprocal movement and a bore therein for receiving a cable strand; operatively associating a first cable conduit having a first cable strand disposed therein with the reactive slide member such that the first cable strand can slidably move through the conduit and reactive slide member; preparing a housing having inner walls which define a cavity, an opening for receiving the slide member, openings for allowing cable strands to enter or exit the cavity and channels on the inner walls for receiving the pins of the reactive slide member; affixing a second cable conduit to one of the openings of the housing for receiving a cable strand which exits the housing cavity through that opening; preparing a third cable conduit having a third cable strand slidably disposed therein; placing the reactive slide member into the housing through its respective

Abstract: A one step ceramic brazing material preferably for use in joining ceramics to each other or in joining a ceramic to a metal. The brazing material includes a strip of a eutectic alloy and greater than 3% titanium or titanium hydride in powder form, in a polymer coating thereon. The brazing material incorporates these amounts of titanium or hydride without exhibiting blushing, decreased plasticity, and brittleness in the braze joint. The brazing material is made in the form of a coated strip so that it can be stamped to washers, rings or discs for particular applications.

Abstract: This invention concerns a new spring gold alloy and heat treatment process specific to the new gold spring alloy. The heat treatment process and gold spring alloy are specifically formulated to work synergistically so as to optimize the ductility of the alloy after a first step, and resistance to deformation of the alloy after a second step of the heat treatment process.

Abstract: A cable length adjustment device comprising an elongated member, a locking member formed to prevent translatory movement of the elongated member when in a first locked position, and allow for translatory movement of the elongated member in a second unlocked position, and a housing substantially encasing the locking member.

Abstract: A modular fuel injector pod for holding individual fuel injectors in place on an intake manifold, cylinder head or other support surface associated with an induction system of an internal combustion engine, and for supplying fuel to the injectors. The modular fuel injector pod includes a hollow body, generally configured in four portions of successively decreasing inside diameter adapted to hold a fuel injector. Outwardly projecting tubes supply and take away unused fuel to and from the pod. Fuel used by the associated injector is sprayed into the induction chamber through an outlet in one end of the pod. A modular fuel injector assembly utilizes a pod as described above and includes a retaining clip for holding fuel injector in the pod and o-rings for providing fuel tight seals in the assembly.

Abstract: A readily attachable and detachable coupling for connecting conduits, having a receptacle assembly with a profiled bore, a first end designed to mate with one end of a first conduit and a second end adapted to receive a mating plug member. The plug member is provided with a first end adapted to mate with the second end of the receptacle, a second end adapted to mate with a second conduit, a constant diameter axial bore and an annular retaining flange. A locking assembly having an engaged position and a disengaged position is mounted to the second end of the receptacle assembly. The locking assembly includes a pair of resilient spring elements operatively associated with a rotatable collar so that rotation of the collar disengages the locking assembly. The locking assembly is designed to return to the engaged position once the rotative force has been removed. When the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the annular flange outwardly displaces the spring elements.