Abstract: A simple joining process for members of passive microwave structures is described which reduces passive intermodulation. The process forms an aperture in a first member and forms a second member to have dimension which exceeds the aperture dimension by a dimension differential. The members are joined by initially causing them to have a temperature differential that is sufficient to permit the second member to be positioned across the aperture. The dimension differential is selected to generate mutually-induced radial stresses in the members, after the temperature differential is removed, which enhance the metal-to-metal contact between the members and, thereby, improve passive intermodulation (PIM) performance. Preferably, the dimension differential is selected to cause the second member to elastically buckle and exert a buckling stress against the first member. Additional interface structures are provided to resist operational axial forces, e.g., vibration, that tend to dislodge the members.

Abstract: A simple joining process for members of passive microwave structures is described which reduces passive intermodulation. The process forms an aperture in a first member and forms a second member to have dimension which exceeds the aperture dimension by a dimension differential. The members are joined by initially causing them to have a temperature differential that is sufficient to permit the second member to be positioned across the aperture. The dimension differential is selected to generate mutually-induced radial stresses in the members, after the temperature differential is removed, which enhance the metal-to-metal contact between the members and, thereby, improve passive intermodulation (PIM) performance. Preferably, the dimension differential is selected to cause the second member to elastically buckle and exert a buckling stress against the first member. Additional interface structures are provided to resist operational axial forces, e.g., vibration, that tend to dislodge the members.

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle frame having a pair of longitudinally extending support rails disposed in spaced relationship with respect to one another and terminating at one end proximal to a front of the vehicle, at least one pair of wheels and a steering mechanism operatively connected to the wheels for controlling the direction of the vehicle in response to driver input through the steering mechanism, the steering mechanism including a pair of tie rods operatively connected to the wheels to control the rotation of the wheels about a vertical axis, and a pair of tie rod impact members fixedly mounted to the support rails and movable in a direction substantially longitudinally along the support rails in response to a predetermined force acting on the vehicle such that the tie rod impact members engage the tie rods to cause the wheels to rotate about a vertical axis independent of driver input through the steering mechanism.