Abstract: A joint member is used for positioning a first square tubular section made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and a second square tubular section made of aluminum or aluminum alloy with the sections' end portions butting against each other so as to weld the butt end portions together. The joint member includes an angle retainment portion and first and second anchorage portions. The angle retainment portion is applied onto the outer or inner surfaces of walls of the first and second square tubular sections, the walls intersecting each other with an angle equal to or smaller than 180.degree. when the first and second tubular sections are caused to butt against each other. The first and second anchorage portions branch off and extend from the angle retainment portion so as to fixedly hold the walls of the first and second square tubular sections, respectively, in cooperation with the angle retainment portion.

Abstract: The present invention is generally characterized in an angled rotary tissue cutting instrument including an outer blade assembly, having a rigid tubular member with proximal and distal portions connected by a bend, and an inner blade assembly rotatably disposed within the outer blade assembly and including a tubular drive shaft at a proximal end, a cutting tip at a distal end, and a flexible coupling disposed between the drive shaft and the cutting tip. The drive shaft and cutting tip include neck portions which are disposed telescopically within proximal and distal ends of the coupling.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a suspension damper with a welded rod fitting includes attaching a piston rod to a piston assembly. The piston assembly with the attached piston rod is inserted into a tube so that the piston rod extends from the tube. Hydraulic fluid is added to the tube either before or after the piston assembly is inserted. A rod guide assembly is slidingly received over the piston rod and is secured to the tube. An end fitting is secured in a weld fixture. The tube, containing hydraulic fluid, the piston assembly, the secured rod guide and the extending piston rod is positioned so that the piston rod abuts the end fitting. An electrical current is passed through the end fitting and the piston rod. The piston rod is moved away from the end fitting forming a gap as the electrical current is passing through the end fitting and the piston rod so that an arc is established across the gap to weld the end fitting to the piston rod.

Abstract: A bracket for a machine frame, such as a core molding machine frame, having horizontal and vertical members includes first and second legs adapted for attachment to the machine frame members. The first and second legs are formed from a plate material and extend perpendicular to each other. The bracket is welded around its periphery to the machine frame. A free end of at least one of the first and second legs has a tapered portion, and one or more openings may be provided in the bracket. An outer periphery of the tapered portion and an inner periphery of the openings are welded to the machine frame for further extending the total weld length and reducing stress concentration in the weld joints.

Abstract: A process is provided for ultrasonically welding a rigid thermoplastic, such as acrylic, and a flexible thermoplastic, such a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) doped with plasticizers. The rigid piece includes an energy director where the joint is to be located. The energy director includes first and second ridges running the length of the joint and a groove running between the first and second ridges. The energy director is placed against one side of the flexible piece, and an ultrasonic horn against the other side opposite the energy director. The two pieces are then welded together using standard ultrasonic technology. The shape of the energy director promotes the melting and flow of both pieces as they are being welded together.

Abstract: A frame member is extruded from a composite material including plastic and wood fiber. A plastic end cap is sonically welded to a cut end of the frame member despite the presence of wood fiber at the interface.

Abstract: A method for securely joining together at least first and second structural elements without disrupting the contour or continuity of the surfaces of the structure or the structural elements is disclosed. The first structural element has a first hole having a counterbored section. The counterbored section has a recessed cavity therein, which is open to the counterbored section and has an upper wall that extends generally radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the first hole. The second structural element has a second hole in coaxial alignment with the first hole. A fastener, such as a bolt or stud and nut combination, is inserted into the coaxially aligned holes so that the structural elements are thereby joined and the head of the bolt or nut is recessed in the counterbored section of the first hole. A suitable castable material, e.g. aluminum, is then applied to the first hole so as to fill any remaining space in the hole, including the counterbored section and the recessed cavity.

Abstract: A ball joint includes a bearing seat crimped in place within a housing. A ball head of a ball stud slides in the bearing seat. A cylindrical crimpable portion of the bearing seat is inserted through a cylindrical portion of the housing. The bearing seat is fixed to the housing with two stopper portions. One of the stopper portions is formed by crimping the cylindrical crimpable portion against one of the ends of the housing. A dust cover is pushed between the ball stud and the other stopper portion. The stopper portion is enlarged outward using ultrasonic vibration. An inner side face of the cylindrical crimpable portion inclines outward at an angle ranging from 3.degree. to 20.degree. with respect to an axial direction of the cylindrical crimpable portion. A chamfered portion and rotation-stop portions, shaped like flower petals, are formed at one end of the housing.

Abstract: An electrically conductive connection is made between a metal connector and a metal layer applied and bonded by sintering to a ceramic substrate comprising glass and/or vitreous ceramic in small quantities. An adhesion-promoting layer having a glass and/or vitreous ceramic and metal particles is applied and bonded by fusion to the ceramic substrate. The metal layer with the sintered bond is then applied to the ceramic substrate and the connector is welded to the metal layer by laser welding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching heatsinks having a disproportional size relative to the electronic component to which they are attached. In general, the apparatus comprises variable-length attaching means for attaching each corner of the heatsink to the circuit card while maintaining sufficient contact with the electronic component. The variable-length attaching means includes a post and a receiving well. Both the post and receiving well include attaching means, such as threads and nuts, for attachment to the heatsink and circuit board, respectively. The variable-length attaching means accommodates height variations between parts, establishes high structural integrity after assembly, controls static and dynamic loading of the solder columns, allows for module re-work while re-using the heatsink and card, and provides adequate protection from shock, vibration, and handling.

Abstract: A bracket made from a metal sheet for connecting a strut of a suspension and a wheel carrier has at least two attaching portions attached to the wheel carrier. A holding portion holds the strut at a predetermined position, and at least one welding portion substantially exactly surrounds the predetermined position of the strut and is welded to the strut.

Abstract: A throttle plate-throttle shaft construction is formed by molding both components from composite plastic, the shaft having integral bosses which are received in holes formed in the throttle plate. The bosses are ultrasonically staked to lock the throttle plate onto the throttle shaft.

Abstract: A stairs rail connector which is pre-manufactured as a semicircular turning rail, including two curved tubes with identical dimension. Each curved tube has an interconnecting end and a connecting end. The interconnecting end of one curved tube is disposed with a shaft seat therein, while the interconnecting end of the other curved tube is disposed with a shaft ring therein, whereby the interconnecting ends are rotatably connected with each other, permitting the curved tubes to be freely 360 degrees rotated relative to each other. After the curved tubes are rotated to a position corresponding to the turning angle between an upper and a lower rails, the connecting ends of the curved tubes are inserted into and secured in the openings of the upper and lower rails to connect the same at the turning angle.

Abstract: In order to join a first plate element such as a rear quarter panel of an automobile and a second plate element such as a roof panel together, an edge portion of the first plate element is provided with a joggled portion. The joggled portion is formed integrally with a general portion of the first plate element by way of a shoulder. The joggled portion includes an offset reinforcing portion having a band-shaped recess along the shoulder. A major portion lying closer to the terminal edge of the joggled portion than the reinforcing portion includes a joining surface to which an edge portion of the second plate element is joined in a face-to-face contact in such a manner that a gap is defined between an terminal edge of the edge portion and the shoulder. A welding material is built up into the recess of the reinforcing portion through the gap to thereby join the first and second plate elements together.

Abstract: A metallic frame and, more particularly, a stainless steel door frame has a bent sheet metal frame element encompassing an inner space and the element has backbends which extend perpendicularly inward from the back ends of faces of the element. At least one slidably insertable sleeve is disposed inside the element and has flanges which are spot welded to the back ends. The sleeves serve as carriers for various door hardware such as hinge reinforcement and strike plates, clips having bendable tabs, and anchors.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a ball joint comprising a housing (1) provided with a cylindrical receptacle opening (1a) and a gudgeon (2) arranged in a ball socket (3) made of plastic such that it is able to rotate and pivot within a limited range, wherein the outer surface (3b) of the ball socket that corresponds with the inner diameter of the receptacle opening (1a) is, after the assembly process, fixed in the radial direction and secured in the axial direction by means of annular shoulders (3c,4a), one of which (3c) is situated on an annular flange that surrounds the opening (3a) of the ball socket (3) on the side of the gudgeon. In order to ensure a secure, i.e., large-surface, fixing of the ball socket (3) on the housing (1) in the axial direction despite a simplified manufacture, the annular shoulder (4a) that cooperates with the upper side of the housing (1) is arranged on a ring (4) connected with the ball socket (3), preferably in an inseparable manner by means of ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: Joining of two elements of aluminum or aluminum alloys, where at least one element is the outer layer forming a part of a composite. The connection is made via a weld bead made by fusion welding at least one outer layer of the one element to the second element. The invention is particularly well suited for manufacturing complex, mechanically stable, load bearing structures of any desired shape that contain composites. The invention also concerns the method for fusion welding composites in which the preparation of the weld bead area is of decisive importance.

Abstract: The connection of structural component parts in adjusting devices for seats, in particular for motor vehicle seats, is disclosed. In connecting structural component parts for adjusting devices for seats, the structural component parts to be rigidly connected with one another are welded in their connecting region. In order to prevent distortion of these structural component parts caused by the welding process, one structural component part has at least one bevel which projects toward the connection side and can be pressed into at least one recess of the other structural component part during a capacitor impulse welding process, this recess substantially conforming to the bevel with respect to shape and dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for enhancing fatigue and load properties of subterranean well drill pipe immediate the area of securement of pipe sections by providing a weld in a discontinuous plane to secure pipe sections to each other, said weld having a greater cross section of welded surface and ability to distribute stresses which is less prone to fail due to rotational, tensile, and bending stresses, mid due to heavy loads and stresses arising from shock loading.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus useful in semiconductor processing. The apparatus can be used to provide a seal which enables a first portion of a semiconductor processing chamber to be operated at a first pressure while a second portion of the semiconductor processing chamber is operated at a second, different pressure. The sealing apparatus enable processing of a semiconductor substrate under a partial vacuum which renders conductive/convective heat transfer impractical, while at least a portion of the substrate support platform is under a pressure adequate to permit heat transfer using a conductive/convective heat transfer means. The sealing apparatus comprises a thin, metal-comprising layer, typically in the form of a strip or band, brazed to at least two different surfaces within said processing chamber, whereby the first and second portions of the semiconductor processing chamber are pressure isolated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method useful in semiconductor processing. The apparatus and method can be used to provide a seal which enables a first portion of a semiconductor processing chamber to be operated at a first pressure while a second portion of the semiconductor processing chamber is operated at a second, different pressure.The sealing apparatus and method enable processing of a semiconductor substrate under a partial vacuum which renders conductive/convective heat transfer impractical, while at least a portion of the substrate support platform is under a pressure adequate to permit heat transfer using a conductive/convective heat transfer means. The sealing apparatus comprises a thin, metal-comprising layer, typically in the form of a strip or band, brazed to at least two different surfaces within said processing chamber, whereby the first and second portions of the semiconductor processing chamber are pressure isolated from each other.

Abstract: Instead of creating hand railings by joining together sections of rectangular hollow tubing using mitre cuts and welding of the abutting cut ends, a metal knuckle is welded to the straight ends of such tubing. The knuckle has a body with a rectangular cross-section and in profile a circular sector with an included angle less than 180.degree.. Each end of the knuckle is formed as a pyramidal frustum that is adapted to enter the straight end of the tubing. A notch of generally triangular cross-section is created to hold welding bead between an end of the tubing and a respective frustum end of the knuckle. The notch size increases with the thickness of tubing inserted over the frustum end, and filling the notch with welding bead will automatically increase the joint strength as tubing thickness increases.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus is disclosed in which a wiper linkage includes a pivot lever connected to a pivot shaft of a wiper arm for wiping a windshield glass of a vehicle, a pivot holder for supporting a pivot shaft, a link rod rotatably connected to the pivot lever, and a crank arm rotatably connected to the link rod. A wiper motor rotates the crank arm and moves the link rod reciprocatively. An elongated supporting pipe is fixed to the vehicle and supports the wiper linkage. A holding member holds the wiper motor to the supporting pipe. The holding member includes a mounting member to which the wiper motor is mounted and a fixing member for fixing the mounting member to the supporting pipe. The fixing member has a plurality of protruding portions which are elongated in a longitudinal direction of the supporting pipe on the inner periphery of the fixing member facing the supporting pipe. Also, each of the plurality of protruding portions provides a weld portion between the fixing member and the supporting pipe.

Abstract: Arc welded joint between a carrier such as aluminium sheet as one electrode and as the other electrode a metal component with a continuous recess into which a stud-like weld-in part is introduced, wherein the weld-in part consists of a shank and a head which is enlarged in relation to the shank diameter via a step, penetrates into the recess in the component resting on the carrier and can be pressed into the pool of melt formed on the carrier so that the pool of melt adjacent to the wall of the recess embraces the outer rim of the head and the step, the pool of melt directly connecting the component, at least in the region of the edge of the wall of the recess facing the carrier, directly to the adjacent carrier.

Abstract: A bearer joint for a vehicle bodywork, and in particular a longitudinal front bearer joint, and a process for placing an aluminum bearer on the bearer joint in the vehicle bodywork. The bearer joint comprises a cast aluminum connector for joining together a first forward bearer and a second adjacent bearer. The connector includes a tubular aluminum recess for receiving the rearward end of the first aluminum bearer which is fixed thereto by a transverse weld seam at the front receiving edge of the recess. To replace a damaged front bearer, a ring cut is made to the outer wall of the aluminum recess at a distance from the forward receiving edge corresponding to the zone of thermal influence of the heat affected zone adjacent the weld. A damaged front bearer is then withdrawn from the recess and replaced by a new front bearer which is also welded to the new forward cut edge of the aluminum recess. In this way the front bearer is replaced without compromising the original strength of the bearer joint.

Abstract: An air-operated combination diaphragm spring brake has a tamper-resistant connection between a head (46) and a spring side of a flange case (18) which together form a spring chamber (16) housing a power spring (66). The head (46) has an annular rim (70), and the flange case has an annular flange (78) with a diaphragm (48) sandwiched therebetween. A plurality of tabs (102) on one flange rotate into L-shaped channels (94) to lock the head to the flange case with a bayonet style engagement. An alternative embodiment employs threads (112, 114) on the head and adapter flanges to seal the spring chamber. A further embodiment seals the head to a cast flange case using a threaded hoop 116 fitted over the flange case to engage the threads on the head flange.

Abstract: A fastener for securing two workpieces together in a desired spatial relation, at an axial distance within a predetermined spacing range comprising a screw, an insert, and a heat curable member. The heat curable member has a predetermined thickness establishing a maximum spacing within the predetermined range. The screw is drawn down toward the insert and the heat curable member is reduced in thickness until the desired spacial relation is attained. The heat curable member is subsequently cured setting the fastener and the first and second workpieces in the desired special relation.

Abstract: A wire connector which includes a metal thread insert and at least two unmixed components within the connector cavity which are mixable as the insert is screwed onto bared wire ends to form a cement for bonding the connection of the bared wire ends to each other and to the insert. The components are separated by a barrier layer formed by a reaction at their interface. At least a portion of the insert is disposed inwardly of the cavity relative to the barrier layer. The barrier layer is pierceable by the bared wired ends during insertion thereof into the insert for screwing of said insert onto the bared wire ends.

Abstract: A squeeze container has a flexible tubular body and a separately molded bottom cover. The bottom cover has an axially facing continuous groove in which the open end of the tubular body seats with the end surface of the tube abutting the bottom surface of the groove. A radially outwardly extending flange spaced axially from the open end of the container has a bottom surface which abuts a top surface on a lip extending radially outward from the groove in the bottom cover. A tubular extension on the bottom cover radially inward of the groove has an outer surface which abuts the inner surface of the tubular body. Sonic energy directors in the form of continuous pointed ribs effect sonic welds between each of the sets of abutting surfaces to hermetically seal the bottom cover to the tubular body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preengineering a solvent bond is disclosed. It creates the possibility of preestablishing designs to self-optimize the characteristics of the resultant solvent bond. These characteristics can thus be chosen by the part designer with confidence that inherent variations in the assembly process will not unduly impact the resultant bond. Setting the volume of dissolved material with acting upon it in the dissolved state are included.

Abstract: A method of bonding at least two members having different coefficients of thermal expansion is disclosed, wherein an edge of a bonding interface between the members is positioned in a tapered portion, thereby bridging one member having a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion and another having a larger coefficient of thermal expansion. A bonded composite article comprising such bonded members having the different coefficients of thermal expansion is also disclosed.

Abstract: Joined structures are disclosed, which each comprise first and second members having different coefficients of thermal expansion and an intermediate member. The first and second members are joined together through the intermediate member. The intermediate member has yield stress smaller than those of the first and second members, and a tapered portion is formed at an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate member such that the tapered portion has a variable cross-sectional area orthogonal to an axis of the joined members. The area is larger at one end of the tapered portion near one of the first and second members having a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the area at the other end of the tapered portion near the other one of the first and second members having a larger coefficient of thermal expansion. A method of joining such first and second members having different coefficients of thermal expansion through the intermediate member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fusible link has two generally oval members in overlying relationship, the two members having relatively flat surfaces confronting one another. One member has a quadrangular slot therein having tapered surfaces and the second member has a quadrangular projection having beveled sides complementing the tapered surfaces. The projection is accommodated in the slot and seats on the tapered surfaces of the latter to provide a space between the confront surfaces. The space is filled with a eutectic alloy which secures the members together. Pins on the members maintain the thickness of the space uniform. When the alloy is heated to a predetermined temperature it melts, thereby enabling the members to separate.

Abstract: A vacuum drying method wherein a solution of a material to be dried which has been adjusted to 1-50 centipoise, is supplied to a steam-heated long tube, solid-vapor mixture of powdery dry material and vapor produced in the tube is blown out under reduced pressure, and the powdery dry material and vapor are separated so as to obtain powdery dry material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a welded joint between plastic parts, the welding quality of which can be checked in a non-destructive way. In particular, a coating of an X-ray contrast medium, of sharply set-off contour and of specific outline shape, is introduced, before welding, in the region of the welding gap. The coating is narrower or smaller than the zone to be welded. It can be a strip of specific width or a pattern comprising recurring contour parts. The coating can be printed on or take the form of an inserted auxiliary film. Coloring pigments based on heavy metal, metal powder, rock dust, powdered glass or ceramic powder come under consideration as X-ray contrast media.

Abstract: An assembly for relieving shear stress when indirectly mounting a glass tube to a metallic header containing a pressure to be measured. A bore within the header includes first and second shoulders and first and second radially outwardly extending surfaces. An iron-nickel interface having an axially extending position and a radially outwardly extending portion is secured to the header by welding only at the juncture of the inside radius of the axially extending portion with the first shoulder, leaving the interface free to expand nearly stress free along the radially outwardly extending surfaces within the bore.

Abstract: A connection arrangement with profiled parts contains, in at least one hollow chamber in a profiled part, a connecting element by means of which a connection with the other profile part is effected. The purpose of the invention is to provide, at low manufacturing cost, a reliable connection and to eliminate any after-treatment of surfaces in the vicinity of the connection. It is proposed that the connecting element be secured to the web of the first profiled part and that a length thereof projects, prior to welding, beyond the front surface; and that, after welding, the weld-zone be arranged in the hollow-chamber in the second profiled part and be at a distance from the adjacent front surfaces of the profiled parts.

Abstract: A standard size, steel oil well sucker rod coupling is machined to decrease its external diameter, producing a constant diameter along its length. Then, the coupling is machined to produce chamfers or bevels around the circumference on the ends, such that the diameter at the radial faces is less than at the body of the coupling. Next, abrasive blast-cleaning of the coupling produces a uniform, angular, anchor profile along the machined areas on the exterior of the coupling. Finally, a specially selected, fusion bonded, resinous coating is applied to the exposed surface. The radial faces may or may not be coated. The unique protective coatings impart abrasion resistance in a pumping oil well and serve as an electrical barrier to preclude electrochemical, corrosive, attack of the mild steel coupling core. Extended service life of the coupling is achieved.

Abstract: The universal joint cross consists of two cylindrical hardened and ground pins joined together at their longitudinal centers with their axes in a common plane. The pins are joined together by welding under pressure while controlling the length of the welds from the centers of the pins to provide bearing surfaces on the pins with an undisturbed metallurgical structure.

Abstract: In order to weld butt-jointed plastic tubes, a welding element with a wire coil for electrical resistance heating is positioned between the abutting tube ends. The tube ends are pressed to each other while at the same time the welding device is heated to welding temperature. Lastly, the tube ends are held together until the welded area has hardened by cooling. The welding device is constructed in the form of an annular disc the external diameter of which is approximately equal to the external diameter of the tubes and the internal diameter of which is approximately equal to the nominal internal diameter of the tubes. A heating wire coil spirals around the geometric center of the annular disc, and is positioned on the two annular disc surfaces that come into contact with the tube ends.

Abstract: Method for joining thermoplastic cores having spaced, longitudinal surface grooves for receiving optical fibers or electrical wires. A heat shrinkable plastic sleeve is applied over the end of one of the cores. A piece of a core selected so that the ends of the grooves match, at each end, the grooves of the cores to be joined, is inserted between the ends of the cores in abutting relation with the cores, and malleable metal elements, longer than the piece and having the cross-sectional shape of the grooves are inserted in the grooves of the piece with the ends thereof in the grooves of the cores. The sleeve is slid over the elements-piece assembly and heated so that it shrinks therearound, so that the plastic of the piece and the cores is softened and the grooves conform to the shape of and embed the elements and so that the ends of the piece fuse with the ends of the cores.

Abstract: The invention relates to electroweldable sockets. Previously the predominant method of manufacture has been by injection molding which while producing a socket of acceptable quality it is expensive and relatively slow.

Abstract: When joining tubular steel lattice members in a space structure, which is built up over box-shaped modules, and where the members (1,5) are joined in the corners of the box-shaped modules under formation of lattice nodes (4), elliptical assembling devices (6,12) are used. The elliptical assembling devices consist of two elliptical plate pieces (7,8) which are placed at right angles to each other with a mutual minor axis. The devices lie with their side backing to member ends, which are cut into plane sections at an angle of 45.degree. with the member axis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining lead battery parts (e.g., plate lugs, intercell connectors, terminals, etc.) together via a low resistance electrical coupling wherein substantially oxide-free, arc-melted, superheated molten lead is cast into a cavity between the parts. The parts are shielded from the arc while being bathed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere which is preferably formed from an ionizable, non-oxidizing gas heated by the lead-melting arc and spewed onto the parts along with the molten lead to provide additional heat thereto.

Abstract: An attachment lug is fixed to the end region of a cylindrical body, such as a power cylinder, a piston-cylinder combination or the like, to form an assembly wherein loads directed on the attachment lug are transmitted to the cylindrical member. The attachment lug comprises a fork portion of shell-type design on which a first conical surface is formed. A second conical surface is formed on an end region of the cylindrical member, the first and second conical surfaces having corresponding configurations adapted to mate with each other. The attachment lug is connected to the end region of the cylindrical member with the first and second conical surfaces mating with each other, the first and second conical surfaces being joined to each other by a bonding agent. The shell-like fork portion of the attachment lug is formed of a composite material, such as a thermosetting plastic reinforced by a continuous fiber structure.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting elongate elements, such as tubing, comprises a body 1 and legs 2a and 2b which fit into tubes A and B. The legs 2a and 2b are provided with recesses 4 for receiving bonding inserts 5 which contain bonding medium, for example, solder 6. The inserts 5 are of a material compatible with materials of the tubs A and B. When heat is applied to the external surface of the tubes A and B, in the region of the legs 2a, 2b, the solder 6 melts and bonds the inserts 5 to the tubes A and B.

Abstract: A flywheel starter gear construction which includes a strip of gear stock surrounding a flywheel disc and friction welded to the disc in an annular weld area, the gear teeth on the gear stock being formed by moving the assembly through a pot broach, and the method of forming the flywheel starter gear by selecting a measured length of gear stock, forming it into a circle and friction welding the circular gear stock to the periphery of a flywheel disc, then moving the welded parts through a pot broach to form the gear teeth to serve as a starter gear.

Abstract: For fastening a cover part at a frame part in which both parts have at least a metallic frame structure, spherical segments formed out of the frame part with fasteners in the form of balls are provided while the counter fasteners are constructed as collars which are components of the cover part and extend angularly bent in the direction of the frame part. After inverting the collars over the balls, each collar is pressed flat by a predetermined amount under straightening during a pressing operation in which the frame part serves as supporting surface so that at the end of the deformation operation, the collar is supported at the ball.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for adjoining the two ends of a length of impact printer ribbon to form a continuous loop of ribbon within a ribbon cartridge. A welding fixture includes a plate, alignment guide bars defining crisscrossed alignment paths for the ribbon ends, clamps for securing the ribbon ends within the alignment paths, and a cutter mechanism for precisely cutting the ribbon. The fixture further includes mechanical means for manipulating the ribbon during the welding process. The apparatus and method of the present invention enables the ribbon welding process to be streamlined and the precision to be greatly improved.

Abstract: A fastening system including a two-part laterally adjustable fastener comprised of an apertured base and a headed elongated member. The head of the member is captivated in a recess in the base as the base is welded to an article. Complementary surface formations are formed on the base and the article to facilitate positioning of the base on the article during a welding operation.