Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes microblasting a spray tip of a spray device to refine spray characteristics of the spray tip. In other embodiments, a method includes outputting a substance from a microblasted output orifice of a spray device to create a spray having characteristics at least partially attributed to a microblast treatment of the microblasted output orifice; and applying the spray onto a surface of a product to create a coating having characteristics at least partially attributed to the microblast treatment.

Abstract: A jaw for a sealless strapping machine includes a jaw element having a body that defines a linkage portion, a hook portion and a base portion. The hook portion extends transverse to the leg portion. The linkage portion, hook portion and base portion are contiguous and are formed from a single piece of material. The jaw element includes a plurality of punches extending upwardly from the base portion, and define a juncture of the punches and the base. Each punch is defined by a peak and a valley between the peak and the peak of an adjacent punch. The juncture of the punches and the base is formed as a relieved having a smooth radii transitions along the relieved area.

Abstract: A wedge-type anchor assembly, capable of meeting cracked concrete testing standards, comprises an anchor bolt component and a substantially C-shaped expansion sleeve component annularly disposed about the anchor bolt component. A plurality of annular grooves, threads, or teeth are disposed only about the forward end portion of the expansion sleeve component, as opposed to throughout the entire axial length thereof, so that when the anchor bolt component is moved axially through the expansion sleeve component, the maximum interference area (M.I.A.) and maximum interference volume (M.I.V.) can be generated between the anchor bolt component and the expansion sleeve component in a controlled and predictable manner, as well as between the expansion sleeve component and the internal peripheral side wall portions of a concrete substrate or substructure can be generated so as to enhance pull-out resistance and reliability of the anchor assembly within the concrete substructure or substrate.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for use in an associated fastener driving tool for driving a fastener from the assembly, in sequential order, into an associated substrate, includes a row of fasteners arranged substantially parallel to each other, each fastener having a shank and defining an axis and a collation system formed from a plastic material that is molded onto and adhered to the fasteners. The plastic material defines a collar portion at least substantially encircling the fastener shank and a connecting portion extending between and connecting adjacent collar portions. When the fastener is driven from the driving tool, the collar portion remains adhered to the fastener such that the collar portion penetrates the substrate with the fastener, and the connecting portion includes a preferentially weakened region to influence separation of the connecting portion from the collar at a desired location.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is configured for use in an associated fastener driving tool for driving a fastener from the assembly into an associated substrate. The assembly includes a row of fasteners, each having a shank, arranged substantially parallel to each other. A collation system is formed from a plastic material that is molded onto and adhered to the fasteners. The plastic material is molded to define a collar portion substantially encircling the fastener shank and a connecting portion extending between and connecting adjacent collar potions. The plastic material is formulated from an adhesive polymer. When the fastener is driven from the driving tool, the collar portion remains adhered to the fastener such that the collar portion penetrates the substrate with the fastener.

Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a spray system is provided with a spray tip including a core tip structure having a first material, wherein the core tip structure includes a liquid passage extending to a liquid exit orifice. The spray tip also includes a wear resistant coating disposed about the core tip structure, wherein the wear resistant coating has a second material relatively harder than the first material.

Abstract: Grey cast iron is inoculated with about 0.40 to 1.50 weight percent copper in order to generate a pearlite surface layer which will prevent undesired outgassing during subsequent high temperature (350° F.) powder coating processing with a hybrid organic powder.

Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.

Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.

Abstract: A selectively heat treated canister for use in a vehicle airbag deployment system is configured to contain combustion materials and to contain gases produced from the combustion thereof. The canister includes a tubular body having a length and a longitudinal axis. The body is formed as at least three drawn sections. Each prior section is drawn one more time than a successive adjacent section. The canister defines a closed end and an open end. The closed end is at a least drawn section and the open end is at a most drawn section. The canister defines a heat treated region and is selectively heat treated at least one transition zone between adjacent drawn sections to reduce crack propagation observed during testing. A method for making the canister is also disclosed.

Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.

Abstract: A selectively heat treated canister for use in a vehicle airbag deployment system is configured to contain combustion materials and to contain gases produced from the combustion thereof. The canister includes a tubular body having a length and a longitudinal axis. The body is formed as at least three drawn sections. Each prior section is drawn one more time than a successive adjacent section. The canister defines a closed end and an open end. The closed end is at a least drawn section and the open end is at a most drawn section. The canister defines a heat treated region and is selectively heat treated at at least one transition zone between adjacent drawn sections to reduce crack propagation observed during testing. A method for making the canister is also disclosed.

Abstract: A selectively heat treated canister for use in a vehicle airbag deployment system is configured to contain combustion materials and to contain gases produced from the combustion thereof. The canister includes a tubular body having a length and a longitudinal axis. The body is formed as at least two drawn sections. Each prior section is drawn one more time than a successive adjacent section. The canister defines a closed end and an open end. The closed end is at a least drawn section and the open end is at a most drawn section. The canister defines a heat treated region and is selectively heat treated at at least one transition zone between adjacent drawn sections to reduce crack propagation observed during testing. A method for making the canister is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon steel screw has one or more portions which have been selectively hardened by selective heat treatment and quenching. In one embodiment, an upper portion of the screw head is selectively hardened to prevent or reduce damage when torque is applied using a driving tool. In another embodiment, the screw tip is selectively hardened for more effective penetration into a substrate. Preferably, the selectively heated portions are selectively quenched to reduce or avoid distortion.

Abstract: A combustion chamber housing for use in an airbag deployment system has a tubular body portion having a length and defining a combustion chamber that is adapted to contain combustion materials and to contain gases produced from the combustion thereof. The body has an expanded region having an edge defining an opening. The edge and a portion of the body adjacent to the edge and extending longitudinally therefrom along the body is heat-treated and defines a heat-treated, strengthened region. A method for heat treating the housings is also disclosed.

Abstract: A carbon steel screw has one or more portions which have been selectively hardened by selective heat treatment and quenching. In one embodiment, an upper portion of the screw head is selectively hardened to prevent or reduce damage when torque is applied using a driving tool. In another embodiment, the screw tip is selectively hardened for more effective penetration into a substrate. Preferably, the selectively heated portions are selectively quenched to reduce or avoid distortion.

Abstract: A combustion chamber housing for use in an airbag deployment system has a tubular body portion having a length and defining a combustion chamber that is adapted to contain combustion materials and to contain gases produced from the combustion thereof. The body has an expanded region having an edge defining an opening. The edge and a portion of the body adjacent to the edge and extending longitudinally therefrom along the body is heat-treated and defines a heat-treated, strengthened region. A method for heat treating the housings is also disclosed.