Abstract: A component for cladding apertures in the fuselage of an aircraft is to be of lighter weight and more corrosion resistant as compared with known claddings. The component is manufactured of carbon fibre reinforced curable synthetic resin and comprises a base layer (2) onto which U-profiles (4, 4') and L-profiles (5, 5') are placed in spaced apart interrelationship, which during the manufacture are held in place by a grid (14) comprising angular bridge members. A vacuum foil 7 is applied over this assembly and is adhesively bonded along the edges of the base layer (2') to the supporting surface (1). The space between the vacuum foil (7) and the supporting surface (1) is evacuated and curing proceeds at an elevated temperature and pressure. After complete curing the vacuum foils (7) and the grid (14) are removed.

Abstract: A method for oil filling an internal pressure sensor cavity (20) is disclosed which minimizes manufacturing process time and insures totally and properly filling the internal cavity with oil. A predetermined amount of oil (23) is added to a pressure sensor external cavity (21) connected through an opening (22) to an internal sensor cavity (20) having a sensing element (17) therein. A vacuum is drawn while the oil is in the external cavity thus providing at least a partial vacuum in at least the internal cavity. Then vacuum pressure is released causing the oil to be drawn into the internal cavity through the opening. Subsequently a sealing means (27) is force fit in the opening to seal the internal cavity.

Abstract: A plural-chambered, gravity-activated dispensing device that incrementally dispenses two or more flowable products at a substantially constant, predetermined ratio. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, an inner container is positioned within an outer container, each container defining a chamber adapted to contain a flowable product, and having a discharge opening therein. An empty third container is sized and positioned within the inner container to impose on the inner chamber's pouring characteristics an effect similar to that imposed on the outer chamber's pouring characteristics by the inner container to thereby achieve a substantially constant dispensing ratio between the pourable products dispensed therefrom. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the effect of the third empty container mentioned above is superimposed on the inner container's shape and position within the outer container, thereby eliminating the third empty container.

Abstract: A continuously operable press for the manufacture of laminates and similar products has a heated press roll, two guide rolls, and at least one tensioning roll. One end of the rolls is journaled in bearings at a fixed support wall and the other end of each roll is removably journaled in bearings of a movable support wall. A pressure belt is passing over the rolls, but a decorating roll sleeve can be slid on and of from the press roll, and this provides a decoration on the adjacent laminate surface. The press has a device for lifting the relaxed pressure belt so as to remove the decorating roll sleeve. The lifter device has at least two transverse lift bars with suction heads, and the lift bars are distributed about the upper circumferential region of the press roll. Compressed air can be introduced between the press roll and the decorating roll sleeve when taking the decorating roll sleeve from the press roll.

Abstract: The reinforcement of the crown of a piston of aluminum or aluminum alloy for an internal combustion engine comprises the preparation of a reinforcement member (10, 13) which is provided with apertures (11, 14), or reentrants. The reinforcement member is placed in a crown-forming part (18) of a piston die in a squeeze casting apparatus and the piston is squeeze cast. The molten metal penetrates the apertures, or enters the reentrants, and these are so shaped that when the molten metal has solidified, keys are formed which connect securely the reinforcement member to the aluminum or aluminum alloy. Further reinforcement members can then be readily brazed or welded to the first reinforcement member.

Abstract: A method of mounting parts to both sides of a main body characterized by moving a carriage at a predetermined speed along a specified path of transport with the main body placed on the carriage; moving a pair of movable tables in synchronism with the carriage in the same direction as the movement thereof, the movable tables being disposed at opposite sides of the transport path and each carrying at least one robot and an assembling device; causing the movable tables to support the main body during the synchronized movement; setting a part held by the robot in a specified position on the main body; attaching the part to the main body by the assembling device; and thereafter delivering the main body from the movable tables onto the carriage. Since the carriage is moved during the assembly of parts, this method assures the assembly line of a high-speed operation.

Abstract: An apparatus including a set jig for setting and positioning a door into a door opening portion of a vehicle body which jig is movable to advance and retreat in the direction of the door opening portion and movable in the vehicle length and height directions from a predetermined original point position (corresponding to a normal set position of the door opening) and a position detecting mechanism for detecting deviation in position of the door opening from the normal set position and for adjusting the alignment of the set jig in accordance with the deviation to have it correspond with the actual position of the door opening portion prior to the set jig advancing to set the door.

Abstract: The robotic assembly of a keyboard using a multiplicity of keys of a plurality of distinct types, such As key caps on a sculptured keyboard, can be substantially increased in speed by the use of a multifacted rotatable turret for picking up and installing the key caps onto the keyboard. A programmable robot, having a robotic arm is provided with a rotatable multifaceted turret. Each facet of the turret includes a key handling member which is molded to accept a distinct type of sculptured key. The types of sculptured keys are segregated in a pick-up position. The turret is manipulated by the robotic arm in the pick-up position to pick up a multiplicity of keys of one given type on each of the facets of the turret. Thus, each turret picks up one type of keys. The turret is then translated by the robotic arm to an assembly position. The turret is once again rotated and advanced to assemble the key caps on to key stem projected from the keyboard.

Abstract: A pipe joint is made up of a female pipe end with a conically shaped engagement surface and a male pipe end with a corresponding conically shaped engagement surface engageable with the engagement surface of the female pipe end. The combination of the female and male pipe ends form a sealed chamber. By maintaining a vacuum within the chamber the pipe ends can be placed in tightly fitting contact and by introducing a pressurized medium within the chamber the contact between the pipe ends can be broken.

Abstract: To service an engine, it is frequently determined that a cylinder liner and piston must be replaced. Removal is difficult and time consuming if the piston is first removed through the liner and the liner is then grasped from below and pulled from the block. A method includes inserting a tool into a bore of the liner and expanding the tool into a frictional fit against the liner. A force is applied on the tool to forcibly move the liner. The piston and associated rings and rod are held in place in the liner by a partial vacuum for removal with the liner as a complete unit.

Abstract: A programmable force assembler for robots includes a bi-directionally actuatable slide member. A microprocessor is programmable for controlling insertion force independent of the distance moved by the slide member. A position indicator transmits slide member distance signals and velocity information to the microprocessor. A pressure transducer is connected to the bi-directional actuator and is coupled to send signals to the microprocessor. A supply valve is connected to the bi-directional actuator and is coupled for receiving signals from the microprocessor in response to the pressure transducer signals.

Abstract: To service an engine (10), it is frequently determined that a cylinder liner (12) and piston (18) must be replaced. It is difficult and time consuming to first install the liner (12) and then the piston (18) with the rings (20) and connecting rod (22). A pre-assembled unit (36) including the liner (12) and piston (18) may be installed on the engine according to a disclosed method. The unitary assembly simplifies steps at the service facility and, if desired, permits assembly of the unit (36) prior to shipment to the service facility to reduce shipping space and cost.

Abstract: A method for producing a filled calender roll comprising a load carrying shaft portion and having thereon a cover portion made of paper or cloth or the like. The cover portion is made by subjecting a great number of annular fiber material sheets fitted on the shaft portion to a very strong compression in the axial direction of the roll. The method includes the step of making the sheets oversized in diameter with respect to the diameter of the shaft portion so that there is initially, in the assembling program, a space at the interface of the shaft portion and the cover portion. After the axial compression of the fiber material and under the influence of a vacuum created at the interface, the sheets are caused to fill the void between the cover portion and the shaft portion.

Abstract: In the electron beam lithographic system disclosed herein, a semiconductor wafer to be exposed is carried on an air bearing puck which is, on both sides, supported or located by balanced annular regions of air pressure. These annular supporting regions surround central evacuated regions which are also balanced so that the puck is not subject to large bending forces. Accordingly, the puck can be constructed to light-weight materials facilitating rapid and precise positioning of the semiconducter wafer with respect to an E-beam generating column.

Abstract: A ball bearing assembly device for permitting dry assembly of bearings wiut additional equipment. The assembly device is provided with an inner body surrounded by an outer body so as to create a circumferential gap therebetween. The gap is provided with a vacuum connection which allows positioning of ball bearings on a ball bearing shaft or inner bearing ring when the shaft or ring is mounted on the inner body. The bearing shaft is placed into the inner body so as to provide a mounting to aid in insertion of the bearing shaft or ring into the outer bearing ring. The bearing shaft may be mounted on a reciprocating shaft for insertion into the outer bearing ring.

Abstract: A solar energy collector and process for its preparation are disclosed in which the collector comprises spaced apart wall members in which one wall member is adapted to face solar radiation, and the other wall member is spaced on the remote side of the first wall member and adapted to contact a heat-absorbing medium. A foil, disposed between the wall members, has coatings on its opposite sides. The side of the foil facing the wall member receiving solar radiation has a solar selective coating, and the other side of the foil facing the other wall member has an emissive coating providing relatively high emissivity in the infrared spectrum. Preferably, the foil is metallic and precoated prior to assembling with other parts of the solar collector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling together a rectangular outer tube, a rectangular inner tube and thin flat elongated panels having their side surfaces solidly abutted between the inner wall of the outer tube and the outer wall of the inner tube. The assembly is expanded by applying an internal pressure of at least a thousand psi into contact with a die cavity of rectangular cross-section. In order to minimize the required expansion of the tubes it is desirable that the inner tube conform as closely as possible to the space between the panels prior to expansion. In order to facilitate insertion of the panels, the inner tube is subjected to a controlled collapse in which its sidewalls are curved inwardly and its corners are displaced radially inwardly to provide additional clearance for insertion of the panels. After insertion of the panels the walls of the inner tube are formed outwardly to fit relatively closely within the space defined by the panels.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of cutting a strip of film and a protective paper tape to length, winding them and inserting them into a cassette. The strip of film is wound together with the protective paper tape which is offset in the longitudinal direction and cut to length in distribution wheels and after being fed via a guide duct to a spindle is wound and inserted into a cassette housing which is open on one side. The end of the protective paper tape is welded on a spool held by means of vacuum into the cassette housing before closure of the cassette housing with the cover.

Abstract: An integral vacuum-sealed gas-bearing assembly comprising a combination of gas-bearing elements and vacuum plenums such that a gas seal is maintained across the bearing separating two assemblies to allow one assembly to be moved relative to the other in finite increments while maintaining an internal vacuum environment.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel attachment for a portable router that can perform the dual functions of serving as both a workpiece chip collector and an adjustable depth edge guide with respect to an edge of a workpiece that is aligned generally parallel to the rotational axis of the router bit.

Abstract: A seal for permitting a wire to be fed through a wall separating regions at different pressures, e.g. into and out of a vacuum chamber for heat treatment or coating, comprises a pair of die-shaped elements of hard rigid material each having a bore for passage of the wire, these elements being spaced apart in a tube extending through said wall, means for pumping air from said tube, and an internal wire guide in said tube adjacent one of said holders and having an internal diameter decreasing towards that holder.

Abstract: A seal permitting wire, rod or the like to be fed continuously into a vacuum treatment chamber comprises two die-shaped elements conforming to the peripheral shape of the wire, rod or the like in spaced holders with a tube sealed between the holders and a removable insert in the tube externally fitting closely within the tube.