Abstract: Methods and apparatus for plasma-assisted heat treatments are provided. The method can include initiating a heat treating plasma within a cavity (14) by subjecting a gas to electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst (70), heating the object by exposing the object to the plasma, and maintaining exposure of the object to the plasma for a sufficient period to alter at least one material property of the object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for plasma-assisted processing multiple work pieces in a manufacturing line. In one embodiment, the method can include placing the work pieces in movable carriers, moving the carriers on a conveyor into an irradiation zone, flowing a gas into the irradiation zone, igniting the gas in the irradiation zone to form a plasma (e.g., by subjecting the gas to electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst), sustaining the plasma for a period of time sufficient to at least partially plasma process at least one of the work pieces in the irradiation zone, and advancing the conveyor to move the at least one plasma-processed work piece out of the irradiation zone. Various types of plasma catalysts are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus to regulate and control the temperature of an axle assembly for a vehicle. A heat pipe is inserted though the axle housing cover, the heat pipe travels the length of the cover. Near the lower region of the carrier and beneath the lubricating fluid level, the heat pipe bends to continue in the horizontal direction. Disposed about the terminal end of the heat pipe below the lubricating fluid line are a series of cooling fins. Heat generated within the lubricating fluid that is heated during operation conduit is dissipated via the cooling fins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating the surface of a metal body through phase transformation, ion implantation, and/or diffusion and to form new phases of metallic materials. The method and apparatus have been shown to be particularly useful to improve the hardness and corrosion resistance of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Generally, the method comprises irradiating a portion of the metal body (18) with a laser (12), and directing a stream of gas (22) onto the same portion of the metal body simultaneously with and preferably for a duration after the laser is turned off. Preferably, the laser (12) is a carbon dioxide laser operated in a pulsed mode to control heating of the metal (18). The gas (22) is preferably carbon dioxide to quickly cool the metal when the laser is off, and to provide carbon atoms for deposition onto the body.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system of an engine is provided. The inventive system includes a heat pipe having one end coupled to a heat source such as the cylinder head of the engine. The heat pipe is then configured to be in thermal contact with one or more components of the PCV system, such as the PCV valve or a hose. The present invention further provides a vehicle subassembly comprising a PCV valve and a heat pipe routed through the PCV valve. The subassembly may further include a hose coupled to the PCV valve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppression of fluid-borne noise in hydraulic or fluid handling systems, such as automotive power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and fuel systems wherein a multi-chamber solution to attenuate fluid-borne noise in the system is disclosed. This solution optimizes both damping, interference and wave cancellation mechanisms in a fluid system and consists of dividing an attenuator conduit hose or pipe assembly serially into tuning chambers by a restrictor or other mechanism. In some embodiments, a tuner is placed in each and every chamber. The number of chambers can vary between two and four depending on the objective of the attenuation. In order to attenuate the ripple at the pump, the tuner in the first or most upstream chamber can be removed.

Abstract: A hose coupling comprising a metal tube and a cylindrical insert concentrically arranged and held fast within the tube. The tube includes a radially outwardly flared sleeve integral with the tube and providing a tube end and a stop shoulder at the juncture at which said sleeve is flared outwardly. The insert includes (i) a barrel portion extending substantially the full length of the insert and (ii) a radially outwardly flared integral collar at one end of the barrel portion. The collar has an end face abutting the tube stop shoulder, an opposed hose end face, and a tapered circumferential land engaging the sleeve and extending axially at an outwardly diverging uniform taper from the tube end face to the hose end face. The sleeve is preformed to include a circumferential seat portion for seating the collar with the seat portion diverging outwardly at a uniform taper equal to that of the collar and beginning at the tube stop shoulder and continuing to a point at least equal to the length of said collar.

Abstract: A tube coupling comprising a metal tube of relatively uniform thickness and having a radially outwardly expanded integral sleeve at one end thereof, and a radially extending tube shoulder being defined at the juncture at which the sleeve is expanded outwardly, the tube having a throughbore of a first inner diameter, and the expanded sleeve having a throughbore of a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter and concentric therewith. A cylindrical, hollow insert is located concentric with the axis of the tube, the insert including a radially extending annular collar at one end thereof. The collar has a tube end face abutting the radial tube shoulder and inertially welded to the tube at the interface of the tube end face and the radial tube shoulder. The insert includes at its other end a cylindrical barrel portion having hose locking and sealing means.

Abstract: A cabinet for electrical equipment to be protected from an hostile environment comprising a sealed top section consisting of a vaporization chamber containing trichlorotrifuoroethane, or other suitable working fluid, with the upper surface having a generally recessed polyhedral shape to promote return of condensate at the roof of the vaporization chamber to replenish the liquid in the chamber.