Abstract: A container forming device comprises a container conveyor 21 having a plurality of holders 34 and intermittently drivable so as to halt the holders 34 at an ear bonding station S3 in succession, an upper ear pressing member 61 disposed above the ear bonding station S3 so as to be movable upward or downward for pressing upper ears U1 against an upper wall of a container body M1, and a pair of lower ear pressing members 62 arranged at opposite sides of the ear bonding station S3 so as to be openable or closable for pressing lower ears L1 against respective side walls of the container body M1. Each of the holders 34 comprises a bottom plate 51 extending in parallel to a container transport path, and a side plate 52 projecting upward from the bottom plate 51 and extending orthogonal to the container transport path.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming stacked article groups, comprising the steps of supplying at least two streams of articles, each at a predetermined vertically distinct level; forming and longitudinally transporting a stream of first article groups having at least one article, at a first level; placing a support base on a top surface of each first article group; and forming a second article group, having at least one article, at a second level on top of the support base of each longitudinally moving first article group, whereby stacked article groups are formed. The stacked article groups are subsequently processed for packaging.

Abstract: In the process of die-cutting bag stacks to form individual bag tops, die-cut handle apertures, or other mounting apertures, die blade configurations forming the vent lines of an array of vent apertures are also used to bond the outer surfaces of the front and rear bag walls together. The die-cutting operation selectively bonds the successive front and rear bag walls together at or adjacent the cut edges of the vent lines, thereby allowing the bags in a bag stack to subsequently self-open when dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film treatment device (1) in conjunction with a wrapping apparatus and to a wrapping apparatus provided with a film treatment device. The film treatment device comprises a cutting device (2) for the cutting of a plastic film web (F). The cutting device (2) comprises an elongated electric resistor (5) fastened by both ends with fastening elements (3, 4), against which resistor the film web can be pressed and cut via heating of the electric resistor. The cutting device (2) comprises a supporting element (6) disposed to support the electric resistor laterally substantially over the entire length of the electric resistor between the fastening elements (3, 4). (FIG.

Abstract: A saddle for equestrian use has panels having sealed air bags filled with air at atmospheric pressure to permit an even pressure to be applied over the back of a horse. The interior of the panel above the air bags is filled with packing material to permit adjustment of the fit of the saddle on the horse throughout the working life of the saddle.

Abstract: In a compressor connected to a discharge pipe for transferring discharged refrigerant to outside, an oil separator has a near column shaped separation chamber which is formed in a housing and whose one end is opened to a surface of the housing, and a separator pipe having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion both of which are inserted into the separation chamber. The large diameter portion is press fitted to an inner wall of the separation chamber in a vicinity of the opening end thereof so as to form cylindrical space between the small diameter portion and the inner wall of the separation chamber. Further, the discharged pipe is fluid-tightly connected and directly fixed to the housing at the opening end of the separation chamber.

Abstract: An air purifier (10) is provided having a housing (11) having a grilled air inlet (12), a grilled air outlet (13), and a control panel (14). The air purifier (10) also includes a pre-filter (16), a main filter (17), a blower (18) and a controller (19), all mounted within the housing (11). The controller (19) has a central processing unit having a permanent memory for storing the program instructions for operation and control of the air purifier, a working memory, and a non-volatile memory for the permanent storage of programs and counters. The controller is programmable so as to control the operation of the blower according to time and speed parameters entered into memory.

Abstract: A dynamic drive and brake system is provided. To accelerate the mower in a forward direction, the operator depresses the acceleration pedal, overcoming the biasing force of the acceleration spring. This causes the double idler pulley system to pivot from an inoperative or de-clutched condition to an operative condition. The farther the accelerator pedal is depressed, the more the double idler pulley system pivots and, correspondingly, the more tension is applied to the first belt. The increased tension in the first belt causes the middle pulley member to move in a downward direction and therefore decreases the diameter of the first belt about the double pulley shaft. The movement of the middle pulley member simultaneously increases the diameter of the second belt about the double pulley shaft. This increases the tension in the second belt which tension is absorbed by the idler spring that permits the idler pulley to pivot in a clockwise direction as seen in FIGS. 2-3.

Abstract: A transportation and storage system for spinning machines with transfer storage places associated with each spinning machine. With an automatic supply of the spinning machine via transporters as the connecting means between the transfer storage place and the spinning machine, the goal is to manage exclusively with straight guides. The spinning cans are supplied to the transfer storage place with the same spatial orientation with which they are emptied in the spinning machine.

Abstract: For the propagation of the rotary twisting from a thread section (Gb) in a thread guide (2) into the entwinement point (E) of an open-end spinning apparatus with a spinning element (10) provision is made in the longitudinal extent of the thread guide (2) for a a thread contact surface (41), to which surface a vibration element (40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) is supplied. The thread contact surface (41) possesses a polished surface and is part of an inlet element (21) on the thread inlet end of the thread guide (2). The vibration element (40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) is connected to a control system (5), with the aid of which the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration element (40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) can be made to match the current operational phase and/or the current rotational speed of the spinning element (10) and/or the fiber material to be worked.

Abstract: In a process for the recovery of water, which arises from the combustion of a fuel (19), particularly natural gas, in a combined cycle power station (101) comprising a gas turbine plant (11), a waste heat boiler (33), and a steam turbine (25) arranged in a water/steam circuit with the waste heat boiler (33), and/or which is added in the form of water or steam (36), the water is condensed out from the flue gas (42) arising from the combustion of the fuel (19) and containing water in the form of water vapor after flowing through the waste heat boiler (33), and is separated in liquid form, in particular by expansion in a utilization turbine (20).

Abstract: An engine generator is provided which improves a sturdiness and rigidity, sound insulation performance, and workability at inspecting of the whole structure, and further simplifies the structure through reducing the number of parts of a housing. An engine, a muffler, and a generator are disposed on a base, and included within the housing which has a side cover integrally formed with the base, a main cover comprising an upper surface and a side wall integrally formed each other, mainly used for an overhaul work, and a door cover mainly used for a daily inspection. A partition plate is vertically mounted between the engine and the muffler. A side plate is also vertically mounted inside an end of the housing. A tank bracket is mounted across between each upper portion of the side plate and the partition plate. The base, partition plate, side plate and tank bracket forms an engine room. The base, partition plate, and housing forms a muffler room.

Abstract: An direct injected internal combustion engine includes a catalytic device for cleaning the exhaust gases of the engine. A control system of the engine is configured to adjust at least one of fuel injection timing, fuel injection duration and ignition timing so as to increase the temperature of the exhaust gases entering the catalytic device.

Abstract: A single-pipe cylinder type reformer for manufacturing a hydrogen-rich reformed gas by steam-reforming a hydrocarbon-based crude fuel such as town gas, natural gas, or LPG or an alcohol and a reformer used with a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The reformer has an upright outer circular cylinder, a circular cylinder, radially spaced, concentrically inside the outer cylinder, a circular intermediate cylinder concentrically located between the outer and inner cylinders, and a circular radiation cylinder concentrically located inside the inner cylinder. A burner is fixed to one end portion of the reformer and is located in the center of the radiation cylinder. A plurality of laminar annular flows including a reforming catalyst are formed between the inner and intermediate cylinders and between the intermediate and outer cylinders. End portions of the outer and inner cylinders located opposite to where the burner is fixed are sealed with different cover plates that form a double-bottom structure.

Abstract: A control device for a cylinder (1) is provided with an entrance (4) which is connectable to a pressure source and with an exit (5) which is connectable to the cylinder (1) that is controllable by means of the pressure source. The device (2) comprises means (6 to 12) for defining an intermediate position, not being one of the end positions, in the stroke of the cylinder piston (3). Thus a large number of options for use and application possibilities for the cylinder (1) can be realized in a simple, compact and cheap manner.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir system (10) for a master cylinder (12) having first and second fluid chambers each with associated pistons, the system comprising a main reservoir (16); a first secondary reservoir (18) for mounting on the master cylinder to supply fluid to the first fluid chamber; a second secondary reservoir (18) for mounting on the master cylinder to supply fluid to the second fluid chamber; a first fluid pipe (22) fluidly connecting the main reservoir with the first secondary reservoir; and a second fluid pipe (24) fluidly connecting the main reservoir with the second secondary reservoir; wherein the first secondary reservoir has a fluid capacity which is substantially equal to, or greater than, the capacity of fluid required by the first fluid chamber during full stroke of the associated master cylinder piston; and wherein the second secondary reservoir has a fluid capacity which is substantially equal to, or greater than, the capacity of fluid required by the second fluid chamber during full stroke of

Abstract: A wall structure for a gas turbine combustor arranged to have a general direction of fluid flow therethrough includes inner and outer walls defining a space therebetween. The inner wall is made up of a plurality of tiles having axial edges aligned generally with the direction of fluid flow, a gap being defined between axial edges of adjacent tiles. Orifices are provided within the axial edges to direct leakage air passing through the gaps to give the leakage air a flow component in the general direction of fluid flow through the combustor.

Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Another method includes introducing a quantity of liquid into a container and covering at least one predetermined internal surface or component with the liquid to mask the surfaces and keep the hyperpolarized gas away from the predetermined internal surface, thereby inhibiting any depolarizing affect from same.

Abstract: A super cooler device including a thermo electric cooler on a digital micro mirror device.

Abstract: Suggested is a throw-away container (1) for self-heating or self-cooling of liquids or solid matters, consisting of two spaces (16, 17) separated by an internal foil (7), a metal vessel (4) and a tear-off foil (5), said metal vessel (4) being wedged, glued or sealed to an upper component (3), which is via a thread (8) rotatably arranged in relation to a lower component (2) and the foil (7) is destructible by this rotational motion.

Abstract: A control valve includes a valve chamber. A valve body is located in the valve chamber. A first regulator regulates the movement of the valve body. A first spring urges the valve body towards the first regulator. A sensing member divides a sensing chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. The sensing member moves in accordance with the pressure difference. A regulator surface regulates the movement of the sensing member. A temporary chamber is formed between the sensing member and the valve body when the valve body is disconnected from the sensing member. The temporary chamber is connected to the second pressure chamber. A second spring urges the sensing member toward the regulator surface. An actuator applies a force to the valve body that is opposite to the force of the first spring and that of the second spring in accordance with commands from an external controller.

Abstract: The present invention involves a reversible, dual capacity compressor system. The compressor systems includes a reversible compressor, a pressure sensor, and a control assembly. The reversible compressor operates at a first capacity when the compressor rotates in a first direction and at a second and lesser capacity when the compressor rotates in a second direction. The pressure sensor is coupled to the compressor and generates a high pressure signal and a low pressure signal. The control assembly is coupled to the compressor and the pressure sensor and controls the compressor to rotate in the first direction when receiving a high pressure signal from the pressure sensor and to rotate in the second direction when receiving a low pressure signal from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Heat pump and a method for controlling a cooling/heating capability thereof, in which a capacity varying device is improved for adjusting a cooling/heating capability, the heat pump including a compressor having an inlet for drawing, and compressing low temperature and low pressure refrigerant, and an outlet for discharging the compressed refrigerant, a four way valve for connecting the outlet and the inlet to an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger selectively depending on cooling/heating, the indoor heat exchanger for evaporating/condensing the refrigerant by heat exchange with room air in cooling/heating respectively, the outdoor heat exchanger for evaporating/condensing the refrigerant by heat exchange with external air, a capillary tube having a reduced diameter for expansion of the refrigerant, a change over valve having a plunger movable by a pressure difference provided therein, and a connection tube connected the indoor heat exchanger and a four way valve, and a bypass tube connected b

Abstract: The apparatus is a heat exchange unit for cooling interior rooms of commercial and/or residential structures. The unit includes a compressor and blower mounted within a base. A lid of the base has an elongated heat exchange tube mounted thereon. The heat exchange tube has an interior liner with a coil structure mounted to the outside surface thereof. An outer liner enclosed the interior liner and associated coil structure. Both the interior and exterior liners are composed of a perforated metallic material. The vertical heat exchange tube is enclosed with a baffle at the top portion thereof. The baffle functions to force air moving upward to travel in an outward and downward direction toward the base and outside of the liners through the perforations. In an alternative embodiment, the vertical heat exchange tube may include a intermediate tube mounted between the interior and exterior tubes. The intermediate tube also has coils wrapped about the perimeters.

Abstract: An absorption refrigerator includes a high temperature regenerator for heating a water solution including a halogen compound to generate steam. An oxide film having thickness of 0.02-5.0 &mgr;m, one of the colors blue, purple and gray, or a hydroxyl group is formed on a surface of at least one of the high temperature regenerators and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A compressor-pump unit for use in a vapor-compression refrigeration system is provided. The compressor-pump unit comprises a driving device including a rotatable shaft. A compressor is coupled with a first portion of the shaft for compressing gaseous refrigerant within the vapor-compression refrigeration system. A liquid pump is coupled with a second portion of the shaft for receiving liquid refrigerant having a first pressure and for discharging the received liquid refrigerant at a second pressure with the second pressure being higher than the first pressure by a predetermined amount such that the discharged liquid refrigerant is subcooled. A pre-cooling circuit is connected to the liquid pump with the pre-cooling circuit being exposed to the gaseous refrigerant whereby the gaseous refrigerant absorbs heat from the liquid refrigerant, prior to the liquid refrigerant entering the liquid pump.

Abstract: In a condenser for an air-conditioning system, in particular for an air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle, there is provision for a collector (15) to be formed from a plurality of series-connected tubes (18) which extend between header tubes (10, 11) and the cross section of which is a multiple of the cross section of the flat tubes (13).

Abstract: Nitrogen gas at a single pressure is produced from a two-column cryogenic distillation of air. The bottoms liquid product from the high pressure column is divided into portions, at least one of which does not enter the low pressure column as a feed stream. By these means, a portion of an oxygen-rich stream is removed from the distillation, further enhancing nitrogen recovery and achieving low specific energy consumption for nitrogen product.

Abstract: Fire prevention and suppression systems and breathable fire-extinguishing compositions are provided for rooms, houses and buildings, transportation tunnels and vehicles, underground and underwater facilities, marine vessels, aircraft, space stations and vehicles, military installations and vehicles, and other human occupied objects and facilities. The system provides a low-oxygen (hypoxic) fire-preventive atmosphere at standard atmospheric or slightly increased pressure. The system employs an oxygen-extraction apparatus supplying oxygen-depleted air inside a human-occupied area or storing it in a high-pressure container for use in case of fire. A breathable fire-extinguishing composition, being mostly a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen and having oxygen content ranging from 12% to 17% for fire-preventive environments.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system comprising an integrated core and typically including a double column wherein incoming feed air is cooled in the core which also processes a stream from the double column. A separating section of the core processes a stream from the double column to form product.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of novel metal nanoparticle and glass composites are disclosed. The composites themselves are also disclosed. In particular, a method for the preparation of colloidal metal nanoparticles imbedded in a glass surface is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method for making an array of zeptoliter vials by preparing a composite of colloidal metal nanoparticles imbedded in a glass surface, and dissolving the colloidal metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of vitrifying waste and for lowering the melting point of glass forming systems by including lithia formers in the glass forming composition in significant amounts, typically from about 0.16 wt % to about 11 wt %, based on the total glass forming oxides. The lithia is typically included as a replacement for alkali oxide glass formers that would normally be present in a particular glass forming system. Replacement can occur on a mole percent or weight percent basis, and typically results in a composition wherein lithia forms about 10 wt % to about 100 wt % of the alkali oxide glass formers present in the composition. The present invention also relates to the high lithia glass compositions formed by these methods.

Abstract: To provide a press mold for molding glass that is relatively less expansible than a mold material. The mold is configured so that the content volume of the mold is approximately equal to the volume of molded glass at the time of press molding, and a side face member of the mold is divided into a plurality of pieces so as to be capable of moving toward an outside but incapable of moving toward an inside. Thereby, over-tightening of mold side face can be prevented effectively, and a satisfactory molding operation can be performed by transmitting a molding pressure uniformly to a molded member without opening any mold side face.

Abstract: A first layer to be processed later into a core is formed on a substrate. Next on the first layer, a mask layer and an alignment marker are formed within a core forming area and an alignment marker forming area, respectively. The alignment marker, which is used as a marker for groove processing, is covered with a protective layer. The protective layer is made so as to have a width larger than that of the alignment marker, and is made of an optically transparent material. The first layer is etched while being masked with the mask and protective layers. The mask layer is then removed to thereby leave a core. The structure thus obtained by the above processes is entirely covered with a second layer which later functions as a clad. Detection of the alignment marker is effected by optically sensing the edge thereof. The conventional problem is thus successfully solved that the edge of the alignment marker cannot be detected and thus the alignment for the groove processing remains impractical.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for fabricating a holey optical fiber. An optical fiber with air holes of a predetermined size and shape along the length of the optical fiber is drawn by supplying nitrogen gas into air holes through one end of a holey optical fiber preform while heating the other end of the preform.

Abstract: A female member of a hook and loop attachment structure enables a one to one correspondence between loops and stitches in the knitted structure. The female member comprises individual wales of chain stitches with loops, wherein the wales of chain stitches are knitted on a supporting background, such that there is a corresponding number of loops to stitches. Each stitch may be associated with a respective loop or each loop may be attached to two respective stitches. The loops may be formed using a single guide bar, and the wales of chain stitches with loops may be made either with a single yarn or with two yarns.

Abstract: A steering column ignition lock for a motorcycle comprises a lock housing, a closing cylinder, which can be rotated in the lock housing, and closing pins which can be moved in the closing cylinder and can be activated with a key, so that the closing cylinder can be rotated optionally relative to the lock housing or is blocked against rotation. To enable a remote control of the steering column ignition lock, a sleeve is installed rotatably within the lock housing, and the closing cylinder is inserted rotatably within the sleeve. The closing pins can be made to engage with said sleeve so as to block rotation of the cylinder relative to the sleeve. A locking bolt that can be slid in the lock housing can be made to engage with a slotted opening of the sleeve, preventing its rotation relative to the lock housing. The locking bolt has an electromagnet, which can be activated with a remote controller to cause it to disengage with the slotted opening of the sleeve.

Abstract: A lock suitable for use in a motor vehicle door has a rotary latch, a locking wedge, a pawl, a setting device, and a transmission device wherein the rotary latch cooperates with the locking wedge to be locked in a locking position by the pawl. Upon actuation of a manipulator, the setting device brings the pawl electrically at least into one opening position. The transmission device brings the pawl into its opening position by actuation of the manipulator over a displacement range which is greater than a displacement range of an electric unlocking.

Abstract: There is described a lock mechanism for fixing to one of a moveable member or frame for locking the moveable member in a closed position in the frame. The lock mechanism comprises a bolt member moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position for engagement with the frame or moveable member. Drive means are also included for driving the bolt member between the disengaged and engaged positions. First electrical means moveable between a first position and a second position are included and are permanently coupled to the drive means by a linkage for actuating the drive means to drive the bolt member from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Abstract: A lock core device of an anti-theft tumbler pin type includes a housing defining a lock core hole, a plurality of first tumbler pin holes, at least one side tumbler pin hole, and a transverse hole, a lock core rotatably mounted in the housing and defining a plurality of second tumbler pin holes which are moved by the lock core to align with the first tumbler pin holes and to align with the side tumbler pin hole, a plurality of tumbler pin sets each slidably mounted in the first tumbler pin hole and each including a top tumbler pin and a bottom tumbler pin movable in the second tumbler pin hole, at least one block pin slidably mounted in the side tumbler pin hole and rested on a peripheral wall of the lock core or inserted into the second tumbler pin hole, and a control tumbler pin set slidably mounted in the transverse hole and including a transverse tumbler pin rested on the block pin.

Abstract: There is provided a soil amendment product of agglomerated or compacted calcined calcium sulfate. The soil amendment product is screened to a particle size between 6 mesh and about 100 mesh. In another aspect of the invention, an effective amount of a binder such as a clay, lignin or starch is added to the calcium sulfate to assist the calcium sulfate to pelletize. The pelletized calcium sulfate is sized and calcined. There is also disclosed processes for making the soil amendment products.

Abstract: A rocking press machine comprising a swinging metal die 2 and a rocking shaft 1 mounted above the metal die 1 and transmitting a swinging motion to the metal die 2, with the angle of eccentricity of the central axis thereof and the angular velocity of the orbiting motion thereof being adjustable. A friction disk 3 is provided between the metal die 2 and rocking shaft 1, a gyro 4 encloses the metal die 2 or a frame 20 surrounding the metal die 2 and supports 5 provided outside the gyro 4, first projections 61 and first recesses 71 rotatably supporting the first projections formed on the metal die 2 or the surrounding frame 20 and in the gyro 4, second projections 62 and second recesses 72 rotatably supporting the second projections formed on the gyro 4 and the supports 5. The improved rocking press machine permits the metal die 2 to swing with freedom of angular motion in a two dimensional space, prevents the metal die 2 from rotating on its own central axis, and, thereby, permits obtaining accurate patterns.

Abstract: Machines and methods for making an angled ductwork fitting from a length of flexible spiral pipe, which may be flat oval, having two ends. A pair of end securing devices are attachable to respective ends of the length of flexible spiral metal pipe. A mechanism moves the end securing devices relative to each other through a range of movement to an end position which effects bending of the length of spiral metal pipe to a desired angled configuration. Another disclosed method employs a preformed inflatable bladder which, when inflated, assumes the shape of an elbow. The preformed inflatable bladder is inserted in collapsed form into a length of flexible spiral metal pipe, and thereafter inflated.

Abstract: A bending and hemming apparatus configured to both bend and hem a sheet metal panel to form a body closure member at a single station. The apparatus includes a hemming machine movable between a retracted position spaced from a bending machine and advanced positions adjacent the bending machine to assist in the bending operation and to hem the body panel into a finished product. The apparatus also includes an anvil assembly pivotably supported on the hemming machine. The anvil assembly is movable between a lowered position where it engages the workpiece when the hemming machine is advanced to a bending position adjacent the bending machine. In the lowered position, the anvil assembly provides a fulcrum around which the workpiece is bent. The anvil assembly is pivotable to a raised position to allow the hemming machine to be advanced to a hemming position adjacent the bending machine from which the hemming machine can engage the bent workpiece to hem the workpiece.

Abstract: A sheet metal hemming method and apparatus for securing inner and outer sheet metal panels together by forming a generally flat hem along respective peripheries of the two panels. A fixture receives and holds an outer sheet metal panel that is formed to include an upstanding border flange. An inner sheet metal panel is stacked on top of the outer panel. A hemming tool movably supported adjacent the fixture bends the upstanding border flange of the outer sheet metal panel over a periphery of the inner panel and into a position forming an acute angle relative to an underlying portion of the outer panel. The hemming tool also bends an outer portion of the border flange down onto the periphery of the inner panel and into a position over and generally parallel to the underlying portion of the outer sheet metal panel.

Abstract: A progressive die for forming a turbulator having multiple rows of axial corrugations. The corrugations are slit and offset such that artificial turbulence is generated as it passes through the corrugations. The device includes a plurality of dies disposed along an axial material direction. A flat strip of material enters the dies and is folded about its longitudinal axis in a relatively wide V-fold. As the strip of material moves forward, it is intermittently stamped in the series of dies. The initial dies create a central V-shaped fold that gradually narrows into a U-shaped channel with straight walls. Once the first corrugation is formed, a series of progressive dies form the remaining corrugations in alternating fashion. Next, the material moves through a slitting station that provides apertures and an axial offset such that adjacent sections of the corrugation are slit and offset in the axial direction.

Abstract: In a state that the material (blank) cut in a predetermined shape is mounted on a die and the bottom of the material is supported by the seat, the material is pressed by the tool from above and moved along the die and the material is incrementally formed. The bottom of the material is fixed by the material, so that the material is not inclined and can be formed in a predetermined shape. The circular arc portion of the flange is processed in a state that it is clamped by the female die and the tool, so that the circular arc portion of the flange is not spread outside and the perpendicularity between the flange of the circular arc portion and the bottom can be increased.

Abstract: A forming die includes a base and at least two die segments. At least a first one of the die segments is moveably mounted to the base for shifting between closed and opened positions. The die segments together define a cavity having an opening when the first die segment is in the closed position. A punch is moveably mounted to the base for shifting between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the punch crimps a part positioned within the cavity. A powered actuator is connected to at least the first one of the die segments, and shifts the first die segment between the closed and opened positions such that a part positioned within the cavity can be removed after crimping by shifting of the first die segment to the open position. The forming die is particularly well-suited for crimping electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.