Abstract: An automatic assembling apparatus having two identical assembling jigs. One assembling jig is attached to a robot arm and the assembling jig is then moved by operation of a robot from a setting site to an assembling site for assembling a plurality of parts set thereon at the setting site to an article place at the assembling site. Simultaneously, the plurality of parts are set on the other assembling jig. The two units are alternately attached to the robot arm at the setting site. Two receiving tables, each of which is for mounting thereon each of the assembling jigs, are provided alongside of each other at the setting site. A transfer device is provided to transfer each assembling jig from one receiving table to the other receiving table. The assembling jig attached to the robot arm is detached from the robot arm and placed on the one receiving table and the other assembling jig mounted on the other receiving table is then attached to the robot arm.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for the manufacture of product subassemblies by computer programmed robots is an end effector fixture assembly, or geometry station wherein at least two individual elements of the particular subassembly are dimensionally positioned relative to one another between a lower base fixture and an upper fixture of the end effector fixture assembly to establish a net location therebetween. The robot manipulates the end effector fixture assembly and transports the two individual elements located therein to a work performing station located within a defined region of the robot to perform work on the subassembly.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a multi-layer lead frame for a semiconductor device comprises two metal plains being adhered to each other via an insulation piece. An insulation strip is punched to cut the insulation piece, which is preliminary adhered to a metal strip. The metal strip is then punched to cut and remove the metal plane, which is then laminated and heat-pressed to another metal strip. After completely adhered, the other metal strip is punched to remove a multi-layer lead frame.

Abstract: Flexible piping includes a first, spiral-wound band forming an inner winding and a second, spiral-wound band forming an outer winding in covering relationship over the inner winding. Inner and outer spiral-wound bands of insulating material are wound between the inner and outer windings and over the outer winding respectively. An insulating sleeve receives the spiral-wound inner and outer windings and the inner and outer insulating material bands. A method and a machine for forming the flexible piping are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automobile door is mounted in a body structure via generally vertically spaced first and second hinges. The door is initially placed so as to be opposed to a door opening formed in the body structure, and at least one of the bolts for tightening the first hinge is provisionally tightened more tightly than any other bolts. Thereafter, the door is rotated about the more tightly pre-tightened bolt for proper positioning of the door. Finally, all the bolts are completely tightened.

Abstract: A roof unit for an automobile is composed of a roof panel and stiffeners welded thereto. One roof panel is unloaded from a stack of roof panels stored in a carriage, and fed to a working station. The stiffeners which are coated with a sealer are also fed to the working station. The roof panel and the stiffeners are then welded into a roof unit in the working station. An apparatus for manufacturing a roof unit includes a first feed mechanism for unloading a roof panel from a stack of roof panels and feeding the unloaded roof panel to the working station, a second feed mechanism for feeding sealed stiffeners to the working station, a third feed mechanism for feeding a jig to the working station to assemble the roof panel and the stiffener into a roof unit in the working station, and a fourth feed mechanism for feeding the roof unit from the working station. The first through fourth feed mechanisms are disposed around the working station and oriented in respective different four directions therearound.

Abstract: A tape type work conveying method and apparatus conveys works placed in placing portions on a conveying tape to an opening surface portion, and causes a robot device to pick up or place works in synchronism with a parts assembling apparatus or a parts manufacturing apparatus. In the tape type work conveying apparatus, a cover tape is arranged to cover opening portions of the placing portions of the conveying tape.

Abstract: An attitude reversing method for reversing up and down an attitude of an assembly consisting of a plurality of objects in the course of an assembling operation includes a setting step for setting first and second mounting surfaces of a jig for reversing operation, having at least the first and second mounting surfaces to a mounting position and a reversed position, respectively, a mounting step for mounting the assembly on the first mounting surface set at the mounting position, a superposing step for superposing the second mounting surface on the first mounting surface, and a reversing step for reversing the jig for reversing operation while maintaining the state in which the assembly is mounted on the first mounting surface and for setting the second mounting surface at the reversed position in a state in which the assembly is placed on the second mounting surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for cutting a disk of material from a continuously advancing strip of material, forming the disk into a cup, and inserting the cup into the end of a tube. The apparatus comprises a first rotating member having a plurality of workstations positioned around its periphery, a second rotating member into which tubes without cups are loaded and from which tubes containing cups are unloaded, and a set of stationary cams which control the operation of the workstations. The strip of material passes around a section of the periphery of the first member, advances at the same rate as the circumferential velocity of the first member, and comes into relative stationary contact with a number of the workstations. The rotation of the first member relative to the stationary cams provides motion to a cutting mandrel, a forming mandrel, a cutting and forming die, and an insertion mandrel associated with each workstation to perform the tasks of cutting, forming, and inserting.

Abstract: An assembly (machining) apparatus and method for performing assembly or machining of an article. A first article supply device including a plurality of supply devices for supplying articles and a first robot for picking up the articles from the first article supply device to perform the assembly or machining are paired as an assembly unit, and a plurality of the assembly units are aligned. The apparatus also includes a buffer device for adjusting a difference in article assembly or machining time between the plurality of assembly units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for mounting the guide rails for an elevator car or counterweight, wherein the guide rails are attached to an intermediate beam laid across the elevator shaft, the beam being attached at least by one of its ends to opposite walls of the elevator shaft, and to a mounting system implementing the procedure. At least two steel plates (5,6) or equivalent are placed oppositely on the vertical sides of the intermediate beam (2), the upper and lower edges of the plates extending at least somewhat above and below the intermediate beam (2).

Abstract: A method for non-abrasively running tubing comprising suspending the tubing from the face of the uppermost collar of the tubing by resting the face upon a support shoulder, making up a new tubular with collar into a tubular unit, attaching a non-abrasive lift unit to a tubular unit, stabbing the new tubular into the upper collar, non-abrasively making the connection tight, and lifting the lift unit to raise the string, the method being appropriately reversed for pulling the string.

Abstract: A dispenser carton for continuous-length material, such as plastic film, includes an integral cutting assembly or a cutting assembly on a separate board which may be fitted into operating position during carton use. A deflectable protective guard or shield for the cutting edge of the assembly normally resiliently rests in a protective posture against and overlapping the cutting edge. It is adapted to be temporarily deflected to facilitate normal cutting of the dispensed material and to be spontaneously returned to its protective posture during non-use of the carton. The guard is a relatively stiff flexible tape sandwiched between the cutting edge and its supporting board stock so that the tape may not be readily removed without destroying the function of the cutting edge.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for fabricating a truss including a plurality of truss components and nailers having projections for engaging the truss components at the ends thereof to form a joint. The present invention includes moving a table from a horizontal position to an inclined position and loading a plurality of nailers and truss components in a predetermined configuration upon a support fixture supported by the table. The present invention includes moving the table to the horizontal position and slidably moving the support fixture from the table to a space between an upper press platen and a lower press platen of a press. The present invention further includes moving the upper press platen towards the lower press platen to advance the projections of the nailers simultaneously into the truss components to form an integral one-piece truss.

Abstract: A method of rotating and transferring hollow cylindrical workpieces without causing the outer surfaces of such workpieces to come into contact with each other and a non-contact method of coating hollow cylindrical workpieces which are rotated and transferred, characterized in that flanges having bores in the central portions thereof are fitted over both end portions of each hollow cylindrical workpiece, a shaft being inserted through the bores in these flanges and supported horizontally together with the workpiece at each end on and rotated by a plurality of paired vertically movable rollers which are spaced by a distance not shorter than the length of the workpiece, a pusher for moving the workpiece being provided on a shaft, a coating mechanism being provided at an intermediate portion of the shaft in order to coat the workpiece with a material, a plurality of flanged workpieces being moved by the pusher toward a discharge end of the shaft and removed therefrom in order.

Abstract: The instrument panel is clamped at both longitudinal ends thereof onto an assembly jig mounted on a robot arm. The jig holding the panel is inserted widthwise into the car cabin through a door opening. The jig is moved to a preassembly position where the end walls of the panel overlap outer side surfaces of mounting brackets previously installed in the car cabin. The end walls of the panel are then fastened in place by nut runners provided at both ends of the assembly jig. The nut runners are mounted on tool holders which are able to perform a floating movement in a plane perpendicular to the car width direction. Positioning devices are provided at both ends of the jig to correct the position of the tool holders with respect to the brackets to align and position the panel so that the mounting holes in the end walls of the panel line up with the tapped holes in the brackets.

Abstract: A working apparatus for a work being conveyed wherein a movable base is provided alongside of a conveyor conveying a plate-like workpiece mounted on a carrier in such a manner that the workpiece is held in an upright posture with its side surfaces facing sideward, the movable base being movable in the longitudinal direction in which the workpiece is conveyed, and a robot mounted on the movable base is used to apply predetermined working to the workpiece being conveyed by the conveyor. A clamping device for clamping the carrier is provided on the movable base and operated by signals from a detecting device that detects the carrier. A positioning mechanism is also provided on the movable base, for positioning the workpiece on the carrier in three orthogonal directions with respect to the movable base and holding the workpiece in that position.

Abstract: A clutch plate assembly (24) for a vehicle driveline includes a spring damping mechanism disposed in parallel with a viscous shear damper mechanism (30) for damping spring recoil. The spring damping mechanism includes a set of pairs of relatively high rate helical compression springs (34,36) for transmitting torque and attenuating torsionals when a transmission input shaft (22) is connected to a load and a set of relatively low rate helical compression springs (38) connected in series with the high rate springs (34,36) for attenuating torsionals when the shaft (22) is not connected to a load. The viscous damper mechanism includes an annular housing (48) having first and second radially extending sidewalls (52,54) defining a compartment (48a) having a clutch assembly (50) disposed therein for viscous clutching coaction via a viscous shear oil.

Abstract: A method for assembling heat exchanger plate pairs by snap fitting with counter-rotating rotors move heat exchanger plates two at a time through paths which converge in a vertical mating plane. Arcuate guides engage the plate ends to control the plate path. The rotors are servomotor controlled to synchronously index the rotor in increments separated by dwell periods. After assembly the merged pairs drop between spaced guides into an assembly fixture. At a subsequent brazing operation each plate pair becomes a tube for carrying refrigerant.

Abstract: In the method for placing a plastic tube having a predetermined inherent stiffness into existing openings or through-passages a hardenable material, usually a hardenable synthetic resin, is applied onto the wall of the tube before placing the latter into the opening or through-passage. This hardenable material hardens completely only after a certain time period, i.e. after the tube has been brought into its desired position, to thereby increase the original inherent stiffness of the plastic tube. The device for carrying out the method includes apparatus for applying the stiffening material onto the wall surface of the tube.

Abstract: A truss structure for use in a gravity-free environment is disclosed together with methods and apparatus for constructing the same. The structure, characterized by high stiffness and a precise self-determined geometry and having a prism-form with square right cross section, is constructed from a plurality of substantially identical triangular frame elements. The truss structure may be manually constructed from a multi-row chain of interconnected elements or from a four row network of elements. The structure may also be constructed using an automatic method wherein individual frame elements are fed from four stack support and feed units to a holding fixture having a square cross section.

Abstract: The instrument panel is clamped at both longitudinal ends thereof onto an assembly jig mounted on a robot arm. The jig holding the panel is inserted widthwise into the car cabin through a door opening. The jig is moved to a preassembly position where the end walls of the panel overlap outer side surfaces of mounting brackets previously installed in the car cabin. The end walls of the panel are then fastened in place by nut runners provided at both ends of the assembly jig. The nut runners are mounted on tool holders which are able to perform a floating movement in a plane perpendicular to the car width direction. Positioning devices are provided at both ends of the jig to correct the position of the tool holders with respect to the brackets to align and position the panel so that the mounting holes in the end walls of the panel line up with the tapped holes in the brackets.

Abstract: On a plurality of continuously supplied reel-recording medium assemblies, each comprising a pair of reels and a recording medium wound around the reels, a series of loop formation steps including steps of drawing the recording medium from the reels by a predetermined length, and shaping the drawn part of the tape into a predetermined loop are performed and the reel-recording medium assemblies are successively loaded into a plurality of continuously supplied casings. The loop formation steps are allotted to a plurality of stations, a plurality of the reel-recording medium assemblies are intermittently conveyed to the stations in sequence, and while the respective assemblies are stopped at the stations, the steps allotted to the respective stations are performed on the corresponding assemblies.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing a stud and eyelet assembly in a web that moves continuously between the eyelet die wheel and the stud die wheel. The eyelet magazine continually supplies eyelets from an eyelet hopper to the eyelet transfer wheel, which in turn continually supplies the eyelets to the eyelet die wheel. Likewise, the stud magazine continually supplies studs from a stud hopper to the stud transfer wheel, which in turn continually supplies studs to the stud die wheel. The eyelet or stud is held on the die of the die wheel and the stripper of the transfer wheel by a vacuum. The vacuum is applied from a vacuum source through ports in each wheel to the die or stripper interface with the eyelet or stud. The vacuum in a transfer wheel operates from the point it receives an eyelet or stud from the magazine until the point where the eyelet or stud in transferred to the die wheel.

Abstract: An automated assembly system comprising a pair of spaced supporting frames on which a corresponding pair of guide rails extend transversely in a direction perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of a workpiece. Two movable arm units, each having tool heads movably mounted thereon, are supported on the spaced frames. A feed unit is mounted on each of the support frames for moving independently a corresponding one of the two movable arm units along the guide rails in a direction perpendicular to the direction of conveyance of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization of the same of a fixture used for the placement of seats in a vehicle body or cab structure. The present invention provides a "C" frame which may be attached to an overhead lifting device, a first link pivotally connected to the "C" frame, and a second link angularly and pivotally connected to the first link for penetrating between the seat back and seat cushion. A lifting mechanism is provided for raising the second link thereby causing the seat to be captured by the fixture so that the seat can be transported by the lifting device.

Abstract: An inventive tire chain mounting device includes a pair of spacedly opposite arms, each arm having a lug and a clamping surface, the lug capable of engaging a tire chain and the clamping surface being provided on one end of the arm and capable of being contact with a side of a tire; a plurality of resilient bars connecting the arms, the bars sliding along one another so as to adjust a spacing between the clamping surface and exerting a resilient force reducing the spacing; and a member preventing the bars from sliding along one another. A method for mounting the inventive tire chain mounting device onto a tire is disclosed. The tire chain mounting device can quickly mount tire chains onto an automotive tire.

Abstract: In a method for the preliminary and/or final mounting of a vehicle door on a part of the bodywork by means of a hinge comprising two stop members, the following method steps are carried out: (a) fastening one hinge member 5 of the hinge to part of the bodywork 2; (b) fastening the other hinge member 7 to the door 3; (c) hanging the vehicle door by plugging the pin 7 on one hinge member into the socket 15 on the other hinge member and aligning the vehicle door with respect to the opening in the bodyshell using a jig; and (d) injecting a hardening plastic substance 18 into the socket surrounding the pin and subsequently sealing the injection opening.

Abstract: A jacking crane supported by four telescoping hydraulically powered legs is used to erect a two spaced apart parallel column drilling derrick. Each column is composed of a number of identical column sections which are assembled on site using the jacking crane which is supported in the space between the columns. The two parallel columns are erected by the jacking crane lifting sections one on top of the other. As soon as these newly added sections are secured to the previous sections, the legs of the jack which are supported from column sections are actuated to move the platform of the jack upwardly where it is attached to an upper portion of the partially completed columns and the legs are then released and then raised to a higher point where they are again attached. The crane lifts additional sections and is "walked-up" by stages between the two partially completed columns until the columns reach the desired height.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining and folding container sections to form a hinged container. Two container sections are transported in end-to-end relation on a conveyor and the downstream section is engaged with a stop while a pusher member is pivoted into engagement with the trailing edge of the upstream section to force the sections together and engage snap fitted hinge elements on the two sections. The hinged container is then discharged from the first conveyor onto a second conveyor located at a level beneath the first conveyor and operating at a slower speed than the first conveyor. As the leading section of the hinged container falls from the upper conveyor onto the lower conveyor the increased speed of the upper conveyor will fold the trailing section over the leading section to provide a closed hinged container. The closed container then passes under a spring loaded pressure member which ensures that locking elements on the two container sections are fully engaged.

Abstract: A method of making interlocked metal tube from a strip of the metal of generally S-shaped cross-section by which the shaped strip is formed into a helix without interengaging adjacent coils of the helix, passing the helix without rotation through a rotating driving means to move the non-rotating helix axially, interengaging adjacent coils of the helix and then performing an operation to prevent subsequent disengagement of the adjacent coils, thereby to form an interlocked metal tube. The driving means for the helix is a rotatably-driven mandrel around which the open helix is placed. The mandrel has intermediate its ends a radially-outwardly extending integral portion in which there is a helical passageway forming a tunnel through which the helix is passed and from which the helix is delivered to move without rotation axially along the remainder of the mandrel.

Abstract: A high-speed, bidirectional transporter for a multiple station production line provides for the programmable pickup, transport and delivery of materials at non-sequential work stations along the production line. The transporter is self-propelled by a rack and pinion drive and moves along a track that defines a course through the multiple work stations. A turntable on the transporter carries an extensible and retractable arm whose motion, when coupled with a materialladen pallet, provides for either the pickup or delivery of a pallet to or from an individual work station. Coupling and uncoupling of the arm with a pallet is effected by the controlled rotation of the turntable, which is capable of 180 degrees of rotation to also impart to the transporter the ability to transfer pallets off of both sides to address a work station on either side of the track.

Abstract: An adjustable U-shaped wire tire chain installer is disclosed comprising an adjustable width, locking base sections and cradles at the ends of the U-shaped legs which permit easy mounting and removal of tire chains, but prevent accidental removal during use. Alternatively adjustable height legs are incorporated.

Abstract: An elongated spacer is disclosed for use in separating the glass panes in multiple-glazed thermal windows. The spacer has an elongated hollow interior for storing a dessicant material and a plurality of moisture barrier partitions at intervals along the length of the interior. The spacers are originally manufactured in oversized lengths and later cut to fit particular windows. The partitions divide the elongated interior into subcompartments, and when the spacer is cut to length the partitions confine moisture contamination and dessicant loss to the particular subcompartment which is cut.

Abstract: Integrally-molded with a plastic TV cabinet is a collapsible holding member. When a PCB is mounted on the TV cabinet at an assembly station, the collapsible holding member squeezes through an aperture in the PCB to temporarily secure the PCB to the TV cabinet. The partially-installed product is then moved to a screw driving station, where the PCB is permanently screwed to the TV cabinet.

Abstract: Process for assembling bodies, particularly for vehicle production lines, of the type adapted to a plurality of models of vehicles and their variants, in which a perfect geometry of a body at a work station is assured by means of a machine module and a structure module; a complete work cycle incorporates a feeding of a body, a distribution and a presentation of geometry tools, an intervention of robots or operators, and an evacuation of the assembled body.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically attaching works to respective vehicle bodies carried on a slat conveyor using a robot. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a base on which the robot is mounted and which is movable within a movement range, at least one part of which is alongside of the conveyor; (b) providing work feeders for sequentially feeding plural kinds of the works which are different according to vehicle types (sedan, hardtop, etc.

Abstract: A gear train is assembled by vibratory feeding each of its gears into a nest in overlapping meshed aligned spaced relation. A fastening nut is vibratory fed in alignment with the journal for the gear which is distal the bracket to which the gear train is to be secured. The bracket includes a plurality of journals each mating with the journal bearing of a corresponding gear located in the nest. A robotic arm carries the bracket and inserts the journals into the gears in an axial direction, passing the journal for the distal gear through that gear bearing and into the nut for capturing the overlapped nested gears between the nut and the bracket.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved end effector for a robot which is particularly advantageous in applications such as placing flat pack integrated circuits on circuit boards. The end effector includes a vacuum-operated quill for picking up the integrated circuit from a predetermined location. A pressure spring mechanism is included in the end effector permits the flat pack to be held in the desired position with a predetermined force by utilizing the robot arm to compress the pressure spring a predetermined amount. Once the integrated circuit is positioned on the circuit board, the circuit is released and the quill moved away from the board a predetermined distance by a linear actuator included in the end effector without any motion of the robotic arm.

Abstract: The machine according to the invention comprises a device for feeding at least a continuous belt from a coil, a punching unit provided with at least a punch for punching holes into the belt; a cutter for cutting the continuous belt in segments of the desired length and a unit for applying and shaping the hooks to the belt. The unit includes a feeder for feeding and positioning the locking bushings relative to the belt holes, an inserter for inserting the hooks into the holes provided in the locking bushings and into the holes punched in the belt and a closer for closing the locking bushing about one hook end and for simultaneously shaping the other hook end.

Abstract: A conventional production two-door motor vehicle converted to a four-door limousine by severing the frame of the production motor vehicle near the center of the passenger compartment into a forward frame segment and rear frame segment. The longitudinal roof, floor, and rocker panel extension sections are welded between the frame segments to lengthen the wheel base and the passenger compartment. Pillars are welded between the roof and the floor of the forward frame on either side of the forward frame segment. Front doors are attached to either side of the frame forward of the pillar and rear doors are attached to either side of the frame rearward of the pillar. In the preferred embodiment, the forward doors of the limousine are forward doors manufactured for the four-door version of the production motor vehicle. The doors removed from the two-door motor vehicle are modified and are used as the rear doors for the limousine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for constructing a multi-walled large cylindrical storage tank, comprising vertical wall bodies made of plates welded together into a helix form, said plates being added at the lower body ends, successively as the body is moved upwards along the helix until the desired body height has been reached.

Abstract: A helix of great length wherein the structure is filled with a filler and wherein the structure is produced by a practice in which the helix structure and filler material are caused to rotate about each other upstream of the point of convergence, while the helix retains its orientation, and the speed of advance of the helix and the speed at which the filler material and helix are rotated are so adjusted that the helix is advanced by one winding during each rotation. The filler material is a braided tubing. A core preferably prevents the tubing from collapsing.

Abstract: A truss structure for use in orbital systems and methods of constructing the same are disclosed. The structure is characterized by high stiffness and a precisely determined geometry and takes the form of an oblique triangular prism. The structure is constructed of a plurality of substantially identical triangular frame elements which achieve high stowage volume efficiency during transport to the construction site. In a first embodiment the truss is formed by joining the first vertex of an element to the third vertex of the next element to form a chain of elements, then sequentially joining the second vertex of each Nth element to the first vertex of the subsequent element N+2 and to the third vertex of the subsequent element N+3. Further embodiments employ an indexing and an indexing and rotating fixture.

Abstract: Edge finished and edge binding for tarpaulins and the method and apparatus for finishing edges of tarpaulins in which the tarpaulin or separate edge binding material is made from a heavy duty fabric of the type woven of high density yarn and in which, at desired intervals along a center line, a series of holes is provided. The apparatus includes a rotating punch die and a slack bar for slackening the material to be punch/cut in advance of the punching/cutting operation. The mechanisms for advancing punch/cutting, slackening and taking up the processed material are timed.

Abstract: A jacket of an offshore platform has a special internal structure of which one side coincides with one side of the jacket but an opposite side is spaced from the corresponding opposite outer side of the jacket. The jacket is made by a rolling-up process while lying recumbent, the special internal structure being made first and then being used to provide the reaction points for the rolling-up of outer-side-forming trusses of the jacket, which are of greater height, when erected, than the special internal structure and carry angle parts which are to form the said outer opposite outer side of the jacket.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing and disassembling a triangular prism-form truss structure in spaced are disclosed. The apparatus includes a triangular prism-form construction fixture and three feed units disposed about the fixture for feeding the triangular frame elements that form the basic unit of the structure, or for removing the elements from the structure. The construction method, essentially automatic, comprises feeding frame elements to the fixture from the feed units in sequence. Fixture forward and backward movement along the fixture longitudinal axis, before and after element feeding, effects fastening of the frame elements to one another. Shifting of completed truss structure sections relative to the fixture is accomplished by periodic axial movement of the fixture. The disassembly method essentially comprises the reverse sequence of the steps of the construction method.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling plate and tube heat exchangers of the type having tube end portions joined to end plates includes a carriage for longitudinally carrying an assembled but unjoined heat exchanger. An upright stationary frame supports a tool holder for movement transversely of the heat exchanger longitudinal axis. The tool holder is movable so that tools carried thereby are located in facing relationship to an end plate for joining tube end portions thereto. The tool holder is also transversely movable to a clearance position for providing longitudinal movement of the heat exchanger and carriage therepast. A clamping device at the opposite end portion of the heat exchanger clamps the opposite tube end portions for holding the tubes against longitudinal and rotational movement while the other tube end portions are joined to an end plate. The clamping device is also movable transversely of the heat exchanger longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A crush and abrasion resistant, sealed, impervious, flexible protective jacket assembly for oil and gas wells containing a plurality of electrical and/or fluid conductors that are oriented in linear, spaced, parallel relation. A pair of elongated protective metal sheets define elongated conductor grooves. The metal sheets are joined by welding to define a plurality of elongated chambers containing one or more of the conductors. The chambers are sealed from the atmosphere and may be filled with a non-gaseous dielectric material to prevent the development of corona discharge that might cause deterioration of the protective jacket assembly. The configuration of the sheets of protective material is such that the development of corona discharge is resisted. A pair of metal longitudinal structural elements are attached at opposed sides of the protective jacket assembly and prevent damage thereto by abrasion, crushing, bending, etc.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing clad strip is such that a core strip, in particular a metal core strip, is fed to a roll gap formed by at least two rolls and is clad at least on one side by a cladding strip. In the course of the said process the cladding strip is attached to the core strip by mechanical deformation before reaching the roll gap. This takes place most usefully when a hot core strip (e.g. aluminum strip at 400.degree.-600.degree. C.) is to be clad with a cold cladding strip (e.g. aluminum strip at 20.degree.-70.degree. C.). A corresponding device for manufacturing clad strip is such that the core strip, before it enters the roll gap, is engaged above and/or below by an attachment roll, and the cladding strip is introduced between the core strip and the attachment roll.