Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle component and a heat shield. The vehicle component includes a main body, a first plurality of teeth projecting from a first side of the main body, and a second plurality of teeth projecting from a second side of the main body opposite of the first side. The heat shield includes a first shell and a second shell. The first shell defines a first plurality of windows configured to receive the first plurality of teeth. The second shell defines a second plurality of windows configured to receive the second plurality of teeth. The heat shield is attachable to the vehicle component by positioning the heat shield such that the first plurality of teeth projects through the first plurality of windows and the second plurality of teeth projects through the second plurality of windows.

Abstract: A blade assembly comprises a blade (120) and one or more wear pads (170, 172). The blade has an airfoil (122) having a leading edge (126), a trailing edge (128), a pressure side (130), a suction side (132), and extending from an inboard end to a tip (125). The blade further includes an attachment root (124). The one or more wear pads are along the attachment root. The one or more wear pads have a plurality of slits (228, 230 242).

Abstract: A centrifugal fan including first blades and second blades disposed at both sides of a main plate, respectively, and a first convex part and a second convex part formed at a fan housing to correspond to the first blades and the second blades, respectively, wherein an airflow generated by the first blades and an airflow generated by the second blades are guided to be divided into the first convex part and the second convex part, respectively.

Abstract: A manifold skin/side trim combination for a domestic kitchen appliance built into a cabinet is provided. The combination includes a manifold skin having a main skin body having a first surface and a second surface, and an opening in the first surface; and a side trim of the domestic kitchen appliance configured to be positioned adjacent to a front face of the cabinet, the side trim having a main section, an insertion extension that extends into the opening, and a transition section that connects the insertion extension to the main section such that the insertion section extends at an extension angle greater than zero degrees relative to the main section. An outside surface of the main section of the side trim is in the same plane as the second surface of the main skin body, and the second surface is adjacent to the first surface.

Abstract: A fan frame includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes at least a first sidewall and a first connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is disposed on the first sidewall. The second frame includes at least a second sidewall and a second connecting element, wherein the second connecting element is disposed on the second sidewall and at least partially overlapped with the first connecting element. The second connecting element includes a first end and a second end in a first direction, wherein the first end and the second end are bent toward the first connecting element, respectively, for grasping the first connecting element. As a result, the accuracy error and the precision error are avoided, the stresses are internally counterbalanced, and the deformation of the fan frame is avoided.

Abstract: Fixturing elements for positioning components on a work surface with a fixed or variable pitch are disclosed. The fixturing elements include a bottom portion adapted to be coupled directly or indirectly to the work surface and a top portion with a generally horizontally-extending slot or track. An insert is adapted to be positioned within the slot or track, which allows the insert to be slid or positioned at any number of positions along the slot or track. The insert may, for example, include a vertically-extending pin or a threaded hole that is adapted to receive other components. In some embodiments, the fixturing element may include an exterior side slot that opens into the slot or track, and a handle element may be inserted through the side slot and into the insert, allowing the inserted to be positioned using the handle element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct plug-in element comprising: a plug housing (3), a direct contact (4) with a contact tongue (5), the contact tongue (5) having at least one contact section (50) for directly contacting an exposed contact area on a counterpart, and a catch device (6) for an interlocked connection between the plug housing (3) and the direct contact (4), in order to retain the direct contact (4) in the plug housing (3), the direct contact (4) being arranged in the plug housing (3), the contact tongue (5) having a first and second flat side (52, 53) and a first and second narrow side (54, 55), the catch device (6) comprising a first catch element (60) on the direct contact (4) and a second catch element (61) formed on the plug housing (3) complementary to the first catch element (60), the first catch element (60) being arranged on one of the flat sides (52, 53) of the direct contact (4), and the contact section (50) being arranged on one of the narrow sides (54, 55) of the contact tongue (5).

Abstract: One aspect of present application provides an intermediate structure in a gas turbine engine. The intermediate structure is positioned between a first component and another component. The first component may be a composite component. The components may be interlocking. The intermediate structure may be load bearing. Also disclosed is a method using the intermediate structure.

Abstract: Body air outlets of an air-conditioning-apparatus indoor unit each has a substantially trapezoidal shape in plan view and are each defined by a body-air-outlet outer side wall, a body-air-outlet inner side wall, and a pair of body-air-outlet end walls. The body-air-outlet outer side wall is provided with a deflection guide at each of long-side ends thereof. The body-air-outlet end walls are each provided with a sloping guide. The deflection guide has a deflection-guide upper surface that gradually projects toward the body-air-outlet inner side wall in a direction toward a body open face (toward a downstream side) and in a direction toward the central part of the body air outlet. The sloping guide has a sloping-guide upper surface that gradually projects toward the central part of the body air outlet as the sloping guide extends closer to the body open face (toward the downstream side).

Abstract: A vehicle panel joint structure comprises a pair of vehicle panels formed of a first vehicle panel and a second vehicle panel that have different linear expansion coefficients to each other; a hemming portion that is formed by folding over an end portion at an outer edge portion of the first vehicle panel; a rib portion that is formed at a leading end of an end portion at an outer edge portion of the second vehicle panel, that projects out toward the hemming portion of the first vehicle panel, and that contacts the hemming portion; and an adhesive layer that is formed between the outer edge portions of the pair of vehicle panels, and that joins the outer edge portions together.

Abstract: A triangular hemming and stamping apparatus includes a stationary base that mounts a lower die set. Three guide posts are triangularly positioned on the base and extend generally vertically from the base. An upper fixed superstructure is supported by the three guide posts and fixedly spaced from the base. An upper slidable structural member that mounts an upper die set is slidably mounted on the guide posts between the base and the superstructure. An actuator is mounted on the superstructure and connected to the upper slidable structural member within an area within the guide posts. The actuator is not connected to nor associated with the guide posts, and the actuator is operable to move the upper slidable structural member toward and away from the base to perform hemming and stamping on a workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic tank (1) with at least one insert part which is provided in the interior of the tank (1) and is inserted into the tank (1) through an opening (3) in a tank wall (2) and is sealed against a peripheral flange (4) provided in the region of the opening (3). The flange (4) is formed integrally with the tank wall (2) and is countersunk therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club weight attachment mechanisms are described herein. In some embodiments, a golf club head comprises a head body with an interior cavity, a shell portion, and a bracket with a weight member coupled to the bracket. In one embodiment, the bracket and the weight member can be configured to be fully contained within the interior cavity. Other examples and related methods are also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening structure of a ring gear, wherein a ring gear is fastened to a flange of a differential case constituting a differential subassembly. The ring gear has an inner peripheral surface to be press-fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the flange, and is swaged by a swaging portion provided on at least one end of the flange in the axial direction. In order to prevent the ring gear from deforming in the radial direction, an engaging means for engaging the flange with the ring gear using the relationship between a recess and a protrusion is provided. The engaging means is comprised of a recess formed at an end face of the ring gear and a protrusion formed on the flange. The protrusion is engaged in the recess by swaging.

Abstract: A moving die is held by a robot and made to approach a vehicle, and a positioning pin is inserted into a positioning hole of the vehicle. The moving die is brought into a floating state of being displaceable relative to the vehicle by reducing a force of the robot for maintaining an attitude thereof. In a state of holding the moving die by the robot, a surface of the moving die is brought into contact with the vehicle by an adsorbing mechanism including an adsorbing portion of an elastic member provided to the moving die. The moving die and the robot are cut to be separated.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fan assembly is provided that can be manufactured while producing a significantly reduced amount of scrap material. More specifically, the fan assembly utilizes a hub ring and one or more hub strips to support a plurality of blades rather than a solid center disc or end disc used by some prior approaches. In another aspect, a method is provided that includes bending a member into an annular configuration and joining end portions of the member together to rigidly fix the member in the annular configuration. The rigid annular member may be used as an end ring, a hub ring, an orifice, or other component, while producing significantly less scrap material than traditional approaches.

Abstract: The number of sub-parts of a closed structure part and the number of steps for manufacturing the closed structure part can be reduced and, therefore, the closed structure part can be efficiently manufactured. In a hemming press step, a punch is further lowered, and a pair of flange portions is inserted into a slit clearance. Hemming prongs are bent and each of the hemming prongs sandwiches the flange portion. The flange portion, which is one of the two flange portions, is joined to the other flange portion. At the same time, a pair of press forming surfaces of the punch presses a metal plate and performs press-forming on a pair of shoulder portions of a blank into a predetermined shape. The flange portion can be fixed to the other flange portion using the hemming prongs. The pair of shoulder portions of the blank can be press-formed into the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a body having two circumferential sides, a leading end, and a trailing end. At least one of the circumferential sides includes a first channel sidewall, a second channel sidewall, and a channel bottom wall that together define a seal channel for receiving a seal. The seal channel includes a slot that cooperates with a tab on the seal to facilitate securing the seal within the seal channel.

Abstract: A method of making a chair includes the steps of providing at least one female fastener device. The at least one female fastener device is inserted into a substrate for attaching the at least one female fastener device to the substrate such that at least a portion of that female fastener device's body defining a channel extends into the substrate and the projections extend through the substrate such that the distal ends of the projections extend beyond a second side of the substrate that is opposite a first side of the substrate. The distal ends of the projections are bent into the second side of the substrate. At least one male fastener is inserted into the channel of the at least one female fastener device to attach a chair component to the substrate.

Abstract: An assembly for aligning a top frame with respect to a top portion of a chassis in a home appliance is provided. The assembly includes a top frame and a support plate. The support plate is configured to be secured to a chassis and includes a first set and a second set of protrusions. The first set of protrusions is configured to engage the top frame to align the top frame in fore and aft directions. The second set of protrusions is configured to engage the top frame to align the top frame in transverse directions. A method for aligning a top frame with respect to a top portion of a chassis in a home appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A torque converter including a cover with at least one slot located about a periphery and a pump with at least one protrusion located about a periphery of the pump. The protrusion extends axially through the slot and is bent radially about the slot to join the cover and the pump. In some aspects, the converter includes a sealing element disposed between the cover and the pump and the sealing element is selected from the group consisting of an o-ring and a gasket. A method of transferring torque including: inserting at least one peripherally disposed protrusion for one of a pump and cover of a torque converter through at least one peripherally disposed opening in the other of the pump and cover, radially bending the protrusion to clamp the cover and pump, and transmitting torque from the cover to the pump through the protrusion.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet metal joint and a method for forming a sheet metal joint. The sheet metal joint includes first and second metal sheets disposed in parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second metal sheets has a plurality of perforations with a tang extending from each perforation. The tangs of the second sheet and the tangs of the second metal sheet are curled together in opposite rotational directions. The tangs of the first metal sheet space the first and second metal sheets from one another and the tangs of the second metal sheet substantially fixedly engage the first and second metal sheets with respect to one another.

Abstract: A moving die is held by a robot and made to approach a vehicle, and a positioning pin is inserted into a positioning hole of the vehicle. The moving die is brought into a floating state of being displaceable relative to the vehicle by reducing a force of the robot for maintaining an attitude thereof. In a state of holding the moving die by the robot, a surface of the moving die is brought into contact with the vehicle by an adsorbing mechanism including an adsorbing portion of an elastic member provided to the moving die. The moving die and the robot are cut to be separated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a drive wheel bearing device is provided. During the manufacturing, a swaged portion is formed in a manner as a non-hardened region, and in a manner that variations based on a reference surface in the axial direction of the flat surface are restricted within +/?0.2 mm. The reference surface is provided with an end face on an outboard side of a flange for an attachment of a wheel or an end face on an inboard side of the flange for attachment to a vehicle body. Part of the swaged portion making contact with an outer joint member of to drive wheel bearing device is formed into a flat surface. Serrations and a pilot part are formed on an inner periphery of a first inner member of the drive wheel bearing device. An inner peripheral surface of the pilot part is formed as a turned surface, and the turned surface has been turned after forming the swaged portion.

Abstract: A crimp tool and crimp arrangement for connecting a clip onto a snowmobile tread. The snowmobile tread and clip once connected together are positioned in cooperating engagement with the suspension of a snowmobile. The crimp tool implements a pneumatic actuator having a shaft with a transverse axle that is in operable engagement with bearing surfaces of the two press levers. The transverse axle causes the two press levers to pivot about pivot posts between a crimped and uncrimped position. When a clip for connection to the tread of the snowmobile is positioned between the crimp ends of the two press levers, the clip can be bent from an uncrimped position to a crimped position by the crimp ends, thereby connecting the clip to the tread of the snowmobile.

Abstract: A method of making a bearing assembly and a bearing assembly is provided. The method includes the steps of extruding a support rail, providing a mounting surface on the support rail, mounting a bearing rail on the mounting surface and machining a bearing surface on the bearing rail. The bearing assembly includes an extruded support rail and a bearing rail. The bearing rail is of a harder material than the material of the support rail to which the bearing rail is mounted. The bearing rail further provides a machine polished linear contact.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vacuum cup mount including the steps of providing a housing having a mount base and a generally upstanding wall extending from the mount base, providing a retainer having an aperture that extends from an upper side of the retainer to a lower side of the retainer and a plurality of recesses formed on the lower side of the retainer in communication with the aperture, placing the retainer on the mount base so that the lower side of the retainer faces the mount base, and bending at least a portion of the generally upstanding wall so that the bent portion of the generally upstanding wall engages the upper surface of the retainer to secure the retainer with respect to the mount base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a construction, in particular a sandwich construction for the aeronautical and aerospace fields, comprising the following steps. A heating material is initially applied on one side of a core construction material. In a further step a reinforcing element is introduced into the core construction material and the heating material in such a way that the reinforcing element extends through the core construction material and the heating material and has a portion which projects beyond the heating material. The heating material is then heated to soften the projecting portion at least in regions and said projecting portion is subsequently deformed using the softened region as a pivot point to engage the core construction material from behind and to form the construction. This method is distinguished in particular by the fact that it allows the portions to be heated substantially simultaneously, and not sequentially as in the state of the art.

Abstract: A micro-structure fabrication method fabricates a micro-structure including an inclined part inclined to a principal plane of a substrate by plastically deforming a work piece having the substrate with the principal plane. The structure fabrication method includes the steps of providing in the work piece a projection configured to protrude from a first surface and away from the principal plane of the substrate, and bending the work piece toward a second surface opposite to the first surface. The bending is accomplished by applying a force on a block including an inclined pressure plane that is abutted on the projection for plastically deforming the work piece, in which in bending the work piece, the direction of a first force applied on the work piece intersects with the direction of a second force of the inclined pressure plane pushing the projection.

Abstract: A method of forming a torsional vibration damping disk, including the steps of: stamping a concave surface at a periphery of a disk; heat treating the stamped disk; placing at least one forming element at least partially in contact with at least a portion of the concave surface; and curling the periphery to partially surround the at least one forming element so that the at least one forming element is removable from the disk. In a second embodiment, the method includes the step of removing the at least one forming element after curling the periphery and includes the step of replacing the at least one forming element with at least one spring element.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus is used to press a number of hooks of a speaker mesh to a shell. The pressing apparatus includes a workbench, a first pressing board located above the workbench, a number of bending members extending down from the first pressing board, a second pressing board located above the first pressing board, and a number of pressing members extending down from the second pressing board and slidably passing through the first pressing board. The number of bending members press inner sides of distal ends of the hooks to bend out in response to the first pressing board moving towards the workbench; and the number of pressing members press the distal ends of the hooks to bend further to hold the shell in response to the second pressing board moving towards the workbench.

Abstract: The press is used for assembling a section of a railing system. It comprises at least one set of tab-bending punch heads designed to bend end tabs provided on pickets. The tabs are inserted through a corresponding opening made in a rail of the section of the railing system before activating the press. Using this press, a plurality of pickets can be simultaneously connected to the rails.

Abstract: In order to provide a flat gasket, in particular cylinder head gasket, comprising at least one metal gasket sheet made of a spring steel or a metallic material with a percentage elongation after fracture corresponding to the percentage elongation after fracture of a spring steel, which has a novel structure, it is proposed that the gasket sheet is provided with at least one edging fold, which comprises a bending region and a flange region connected in one piece to the gasket sheet via the bending region.

Abstract: A method for connecting shell parts (01, 02), which have been formed from sheet metal, for example by deep drawing. The shell parts (01, 02) may be any desired workpieces of a chassis part in the form of semifinished items or other components that are suitable for a folded seam connection. For this, the shell parts must have edges which are arranged lying one against the other in the connecting position. The method according includes first arranging the shell parts (1, 2) that are to be connected in a position envisaged for the shell parts (01, 02) in the connected state. Subsequently, the edge (03) of the first shell part (01) is folded around the edge (04) of the second shell part (02), so that a folded seam (06) is formed. After the folding operation, according to the invention the folded seam (06) is heated and subsequently once again pressed together. As a result, a positive and gap-free folded seam connection is achieved, with which the shell parts (01, 02) are permanently firmly connected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a tight, form-fitting connection between a housing cover (1) and a housing body (2), cover plates (3) being formed on the edge of the housing cover (1), and regions (7, 8) being arranged on the edge of the housing body (2), for receiving the cover plates (3), enabling the positioning of the housing cover (1) on the housing body (2) and the production of the tight, form-fitting connection in a single operation with a single tool (5, 6). Once the housing cover (1) has been positioned on the housing body (2), the cover plates (3) are shaped in such a way as to produce the tight, form-fitting connection in the regions (7, 8) of the housing body (2).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an isothermal plate includes the steps of preparing a plurality of heat pipes, a first plate body and a second plate body; pressing on the second plate body to form a plurality of shielding covers recessed into the bottom surface of the second plate body and protruding from the top surface of the second plate body, the recessed portion of each shielding cover having a cambered space for horizontally accommodating the heat pipe therein; disposing each heat pipe into each cambered space to make the first plate body adhered to the bottom surface of the second plate body and the two plate bodies overlapped with each other; and applying an external force to the second plate body to bring each heat pipe into a tight and planar contact with the inner wall of its corresponding cambered space in the direction of pressing.

Abstract: A dual base plate heatsink for use in dissipating heat for electronic devices with thermal contact between fins and the base plates and manufactured without welding. Separately extruded fins are connected to both base plates by placing the fins side by side in channels in both base plates. In order to couple the base plates and finds, the base plates are maintained at a constant relative distance and a swaging tool is passed adjacent the fins and between the base plates in a direction parallel to the surface of the base plates. The swaging tool applies pressure to the base plates to thereby swage the base plates against the ends of the fins.

Abstract: An automotive closure panel assembly may include an inner panel and an outer panel. The outer panel may have a flange that protrudes from a body of the outer panel. The outer panel may also have more than one tabs that are each spaced along the flange and that each extend away from the flange. Each of the tabs may be folded over the inner panel during a hemming process.

Abstract: An extender and a method for making an extender for an electrical box is provided. The extender includes: a side wall having a length with first and second ends and a width with first and second edges, wherein the side wall is configured so that the first and second ends are in contact with each other. The extender also includes: a first member extending from the first end; a first embossed area on the first end; a second member extending from the second end; and a second embossed area on the second end. The first member is bent so that it contacts the second embossed area and the second member is bent so that it contacts the first embossed area to connect the first and second ends. The extender can have a pair of tabs extending from the first edge on opposing wall sections and each tab can have a mounting screw aperture.

Abstract: A coupler comprising a shaft, an enlarged head, a proximal end of the shaft, and a journal for contacting and rotating in an annular bearing surface of a component for forming a pin connection with the component. In addition, the coupler includes a plurality of projecting fins projecting from the journal along axes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and are radially spaced around the journal.

Abstract: A blower housing and method of manufacture includes a wrapper wall sheet conjoined with a first side wall and a second side wall and held together with a seam interlocked with mating protrusions and apertures. The housing design may utilize different types and thicknesses of conjoined materials, allows reuse of the components when separated, and a substantially smooth positive locking seam without the use of welds or fasteners.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet metal joint and a method for forming a sheet metal joint. The sheet metal joint includes first and second metal sheets disposed in a parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second metal sheets has a plurality of perforations with a tang extending from each perforation. The tangs of the second sheet and the tangs of the second metal sheet are curled together in opposite rotational directions. The tangs of the first metal sheet space the first and second metal sheets from one another and the tangs of the second metal sheet substantially fixedly engage the first and second metal sheets with respect to one another.

Abstract: A vane system is provided for use in a corner of a HVAC duct system. The vane system utilizes a plurality of unitary vanes each including ribs and each including interlocking runners that improve the structural integrity of the vane system.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an installation-ready pipe coupling is disclosed. The method includes providing pipe coupling segments each having an initial radius of curvature and an initial subtended angle. The segments are each deformed so as to take a permanent set and have a final radius of curvature greater than the initial radius of curvature and a final subtended angle smaller than the initial subtended angle. The deformed segments are assembled in end-to-end relation using adjustably tightenable fasteners to form a coupling. The deformed segments are maintained in spaced relation so that pipe elements can be inserted between them without disassembly of the coupling.

Abstract: A pipe is received through a through hole of a connector. A bulged portion of the pipe is press fitted into a recess of the connector located at a first side of the connector and a retaining member is located at a second side of the connector.

Abstract: Electromagnetic (EMF) trimming, flanging and hemming steps are performed at a single workstation in a combined fixture designed to form a hemmed panel assembly, such as a vehicle closure panel. Two or more formed sheets, outer and inner panels, are positioned together for hemming. The panels are clamped and EMF coils are activated to provide EMF force to retain the panels and trim off excess addendum material from the outer panel. The coils are then activated to bend the trimmed edge upward against a flanging member and form a 90 degree flange. Flanging and trimming members are retracted and a coil member positions EMF hemming coils opposite the flange. The hemming coils are then activated and apply EMF force to bend the flange of the outer panel to a 180 degree angle, overlaying the edge of the inner panel and forming a panel assembly having a hemmed edge. Optionally, if needed, the flanging member is then lowered against the flange to assure flatness of the hem.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spring assembly, which includes two annular plates and compression coil springs, and which is adapted so that the compression coil springs are assembled to the annular plates by caulking projection portions formed on the two annular plates, respectively. Projection portions are formed at the side of the annular plates. Plural large-diameter walls and plural small-diameter walls are alternately provided in the circumferential direction of each of the projection portions. A punch having a portion, whose diameter is larger than the inside diameter of a space between the small-diameter walls, is inserted into an inner space among the large-diameter walls and the small-diameter walls of each of the projection portions. As the small-diameter walls of each of the projection portions are enlarged in diameter, the large-diameter walls adjoining each of these small-diameter walls are easily enlarged in diameter.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment further includes a press for cutting a TEM sample holder from a TEM coupon and joining a probe-tip point with an attached sample to the TEM sample holder. The press includes: an outer die; an inner die situated inside the outer die; a former rod opposing the inner and outer dies; and, a shear punch situated coaxially with the former rod. A hold-down spring biases the former rod toward the inner die. A trigger or other mechanism responsive to the contact of the former rod and the inner die, and an actuator responsive to the trigger, drive the shear punch toward the inner and outer dies. This press can be located either inside or outside the vacuum chamber of the FIB or other analytical instrument.

Abstract: An open hem flange for a vehicle door includes an inner reinforcing panel and an outer panel having a first outer portion and a second inner portion folded about the inner panel at a base. The inner reinforcing panel includes dimpled sections against the second outer portion which provides a gap between the inner panel and the second inner portion of the outer. A gap also exists between the inner reinforcing panel and the outer portion of the outer panel to allow the hem flange to be properly cleaned and electrocoated.

Abstract: A method in which a claw portion of a connecting member penetrates a first piercing portion of a flat circuit member in a thickness direction thereof. In the case of connection to the flat circuit member having a thick conductor portion, the claw portion is bent such that a distal end portion of the claw portion pierces the flat circuit member so as to obtain electric contact with the conductor portion of the flat circuit member. In the case of connection to the flat circuit member having a thin conductor portion, the claw portion is bent such that a portion of the flat circuit member is clamped between an outer surface of the claw portion and inner edge portion of a side wall portion of the connecting member, so as to obtain electric contact with the conductor portion of the circuit member.