Abstract: An implant including a bone fixture configured to anchor to bone of a recipient, and a structural component configured to be connected to the bone fixture and connect a functional component of the implant to the bone fixture, wherein at least one of the bone fixture or the structural component includes a deformable element configured to deform to form an anti-microbial seal between the bone fixture and the structural component, and the at least one deformable element and the respective at least one bone fixture or structural component form a monolithic structure.

Abstract: A receptacle connector that includes a positive lock receptacle, wherein the positive lock receptacle includes a wire receiving portion; and a housing insertion portion, wherein the housing insertion portion further includes a first electrical contact roll and a second electrical contact roll; and a housing adapted to receive the positive lock receptacle, wherein the housing includes: an insulating housing body; and a first crush rib positioned within the insulating housing body and a second crush rib positioned within the insulating housing body, wherein the first and second crush ribs engage and secure the first and second electrical contact rolls respectively upon insertion of the housing insertion portion of the positive lock receptacle into the housing.

Abstract: An archwire stop defines a non-linear path through the stop that results in a bend moment between an orthodontic stop and the portion of an orthodontic archwire passing through the stop. The bend moment is accommodated by elastic deformation of the archwire and stop, resulting in a predictable frictional engagement between the stop and the archwire that is useful in maintaining a stop mounted on an archwire during packaging, shipping and handling in a clinical setting. A non-linear path through an archwire stop may be created by a non-linear tubular stop or may be created by appropriate internal features of the stop. The non-linear path through the stop may be selected so that the frictional engagement is greatest toward the free ends of the archwire, preventing the stop from sliding off the ends of an archwire, while permitting adjustment of the stop at the front of the mouth during patient treatment.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement is provided between a plastic component with at least two mutually adjacent and at least approximately parallel walls and another structural element, having at least one force-transmission element which is adhesively bonded to the plastic component via an adhesive bond on the plastic component in frusto-conical or spherical-segment-shaped depressions in the mutually adjacent walls of the plastic component. The force-transmission element has a carrying structure for the other structural element. With the exception of a possibly provided coating, the force-transmission element is composed only of metallic material and has a plate which is adapted to the depression in the outer wall of the plastic component, which outer wall is adjacent to the other structural element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a steering shaft part that forms a section of a steering shaft, the steering shaft part including a reinforcement section at least in an end area, over which reinforcement section the steering shaft part has a wall thickness that is enlarged relative to an adjacent section of the steering shaft part extending toward the longitudinal center of the steering shaft part. The steering shaft part includes a pipe and a sleeve that is arranged in the reinforcement section of the steering shaft part and that form the enlarged wall thickness.

Abstract: A method for forming a joint using a self-piercing rivet includes the steps of: positioning the sheet material over a die and providing a rivet having a substantially cylindrical shank and a head, the shank having a central blind bore and an annular piercing end spaced from said head. The ratio of the difference between the outside and inside diameters of the shank in the region around the bore to the outside diameter of the shank is in the range 0.47 to 0.52. The method also includes positioning a rivet over the sheet material at a position opposite the die and using a punch to set the rivet and force it into the sheet material such that it pierces the upper surface thereof and such that the shank deforms outwardly to interlock with the material but without penetration to the die side of the material.

Abstract: A method of reducing the volume of a blade section of a boiling water reactor control rod for transport or storage that cuts the control rod spline into four substantially equal longitudinal sections, with each longitudinal section including one control rod blade. Each longitudinal section is radiologically characterized and the locations of desired lateral segmentation are identified. A band of malleable metal is wrapped around each longitudinal section at each of the locations and the bands are sheared to separate segments of the longitudinal section and the ends of the bands are crimped at the point of shearing to seal the interior of the segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor that exhibits a rotor shaft, by which a rotor axis is defined, and also a core stack that is arranged around the rotor shaft along a longitudinal portion of the rotor axis. Along the longitudinal portion the rotor shaft exhibits a first surface region, the shape of which describes a circular cylinder, and also a second surface region which is constituted by structural elements that with respect to the rotor axis rise radially outwardly above the first surface region. For the purpose of producing the rotor, the core stack can be pushed over the rotor shaft and in the process can be pushed against the structural elements) in such a manner that it is deformed and by this means a positive connection between the rotor shaft and the core stack is generated. In this way, in particularly simple manner in terms of production engineering a reliable and torsion-proof connection between the core stack and the rotor shaft can be formed.

Abstract: A steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) for a power steering system that surrounds a steering rack in a tubular manner and includes a hydraulic region (32), a mechanical region (34), and as an inner supporting bearing (38), wherein the supporting bearing is held in the steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) by at least two cross-sectional contractions (46) of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the application of a function or joint element to an elastically deformable planar material or workpiece, the function element having a rivet section on a contact surface, extending beyond said surface, wherein the application of the function element to the planar material is achieved in a jointing and riveting process by introduction of the section into a joint opening and by plastic deformation of the river section in a rivet connection engaging behind the joint opening, wherein, in a boundary region enclosing the joint opening, the planar material is held under tension between the deformed rivet connection and the contact surface of the function element.

Abstract: A method of producing a load-bearing steel construction connection, wherein a clinch connection (13) connecting a first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) with a second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) is formed by local deformation by means of a die tool (20) and a counter-tool (30). In that case initially the first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) and the second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) are placed one on the other on a processing surface of the counter-tool and aligned. The die of the die tool is then advanced and sunk into the two metal workpieces (6.1, 6.2; 6.3, 6.4) placed one on the other until the clinch connection (13) has been formed by plastic deformation. The first metal workpiece (6.1, 6.2) has a first workpiece thickness (t1) and the second metal workpiece (6.3, 6.4) has a second workpiece thickness (t2), which together give a total workpiece thickness (tt) which is thicker than 8 millimeters.

Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.

Abstract: A dual bushing installation kit includes a first metal bushing and a second metal bushing. The first metal bushing can include a first body having first and second ends. The first and second ends are connected by a first outer surface having a first outer circumference and a first inner surface having a first inner circumference. The second metal bushing is defined by a second body having first and second ends. The first and second ends are connected by a second outer surface having a second outer circumference and a second inner surface having a second inner circumference. The second outer circumference is dimensioned to be substantially conforming with the first inner circumference such that the second bushing is closely receivable by a first opening of the first bushing. Both the second outer circumference and the first inner circumference can be expanded in an outwardly radial direction.

Abstract: Double-action clinching includes establishing a first layer on a second layer, and securing the layers between a tool's punch and clinching punch. First layer has less ductility than second layer, and clinching punch diameter is smaller than punch diameter. Layers are secured so: a tool support receives a portion of a second layer surface; clinching punch, slidably positioned in the support, is adjacent another portion of the second layer surface; and punch, positioned opposed to clinching punch, is adjacent a portion of a first layer surface. Pressing the punch into the first layer surface portion forms an aperture through the first layer. Pressing the clinching punch, in a direction opposite to the punch pressing, into the other portion of the second layer surface forces portion(s) of the second layer into the aperture, and forms a micro-interlocking flush-back joint between an aperture side wall and the second layer portion(s).

Abstract: A method is provided for producing metal housings composed of at least two housing parts, in particular for units mounted in commercial vehicles. A corrosion prevention layer composed of zinc or a zinc-containing alloy is applied onto an outwardly facing surface of at least one housing part with a subsequent passivation, and a positive overlapping of an edge of one housing part by the edge of another housing part is effected by way of a relative movement of the housing parts being reciprocally aligned beforehand with regard to a die stamp, which plastically deforms the edge of housing part and/or the edge of the other housing part.

Abstract: A new shrink fitting method including deformation is disclosed, in which a high bonding force can be obtained without accurate mechanical process such as forming an insertion body having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of an object for receiving the insertion body. The shrink fitting method comprises preparing a pipe and a rod material whose inner and outer diameters are different from each other; bonding the pipe and the rod material to each other in a state that the pipe or the rod material is deformed by heating; deforming the pipe to allow the inner diameter of the pipe to be equal to the outer diameter of the rod material; and cooling the bonded pipe and rod material. The shrink fitting method can be widely used for various mechanical parts.

Abstract: A method of attaching a clinch spacer to a panel including forming a clinch spacer having a body portion including an axial bore, an annular flange portion surrounding the bore and an annular barrel portion integral and coaxially aligned with the flange portion having a diameter less than the flange portion including an end face having an outer lip extending at an angle radially outwardly and axially from the end face; forming an opening in the panel; and driving the barrel portion through the opening in the panel against a die member having a generally V-shaped annular projecting lip which is driven against a second face of the panel, deforming the panel radially inwardly against the outer surface of the barrel portion and deforming the outer annular lip radially outwardly and axially against the panel, forming a secure installation.

Abstract: A functional element for connection to a sheet metal part, and a method for connecting a functional element to a sheet metal part. The functional element includes a head part, a tubular rivet section extending from the head part and a tubular guide section disposed within the rivet section, with a portion of the guide section extending beyond the open end of the rivet section. When the sheet metal part is pre-holed, the portion of the guide section extending beyond the rivet section serves to dilate the pre-cut hole while centering the rivet section, and the functional element includes security components to provide an enhanced and stable connection as well as to secure against rotation. The guide section can be configured as a self-piercing component for use with a sheet metal part that is not pre-holed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a constant velocity universal joint having a recess-projection engagement configuration in which backlash at a shaft connecting region does not easily occur, and an inner joint component and a shaft can be firmly connected. In the constant velocity universal joint of the present invention, the inner joint component and the shaft 5 fitted into an axis hole 22 of the inner joint component are connected by the recess-projection engagement configuration. Engagement contacting regions 38 of projections 35 and recesses 36 corresponding thereto are in close contact over the whole region.

Abstract: A method for placing a functional element, especially a fastening element, in an especially liquid-tight and/or gastight manner, on a metal part. In this method a functional element provided with a hollow head segment is pressed against the metal part (212) witch is supported by a die (214). The metal material is deformed into an undercut (324) by deforming the head segment when simultaneous deformation of the hollow head segment occurs and the metal part is shaped in a forming area defined by parts (216) of the die (214). The parts (216) are kept in a stationary position during the forming process but are partially removed from the die to enable the functional element which is placed on the metal part (212) to be extracted. The invention also relates to a die, a functional element, an assembly element and a die arrangement.

Abstract: To provide a pipe member composed of a small-diameter metal pipe and a large-diameter metal pipe integrated via a double pipe structure part. A diameter expanding punch 12 is press-fitted into a small-diameter pipe 3 through a large-diameter pipe 2, thereby integrally expanding the diameter of the small-diameter pipe 3 and the large-diameter pipe 2. As the diameter of the small-diameter pipe 3 is expanded, the longitudinal dimension of an expanded part 3b is shortened, and the tip end of the expanded part 3b of the small-diameter pipe 3 is spaced apart from a step part 2c of the large-diameter pipe 2. In this state, the large-diameter pipe 2 and the small-diameter pipe 3 are displaced with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A curtain rod assembly includes one or more support members, such as brackets, that are configured to support a curtain rod from a wall. The support member include a coupler portion that provides a seamless and flush interface between the support member and the rod.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a connecting flange (32) for a butt joint on an end of a pipe section (10) of sheet metal with circular or oval cross section. The process includes sliding a pipe piece over the outer side of a pipe section (10), so that the pipe piece forms on the outer side of the pipe section (10) a reinforcing ring (47) lying flush against the pipe section (10) and bending the one end of pipe section (10) and the end of the reinforcing ring lying thereupon, from the pipe wall (12) outwards, to form a projecting ring rim (14) in the pipe section (10) and to form a flank (44) in the reinforcing ring (47). The flank (44) of the reinforcing ring (47) can lie against at least the radially inner part of the projecting ring rim (14), thereby forming the connecting flange.

Abstract: A turnbuckle assembly (20) includes a first one-piece sleeve (30) having first and second axial ends (32, 34). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) has an internally threaded portion (35) which threadably engages a first threaded part (120). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) includes an integrally formed clamp (38) which clamps the first axial end (32) to the first threaded part (120). A second one-piece sleeve (60) has first and second axial ends (62, 64). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) has an internally threaded portion (65) which threadably engages a second threaded part (122). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) includes an integrally formed clamp (68) which clamps the first axial end (62) to the second threaded part (122). A connector member (90) interconnects the first and second sleeves(30, 60).

Abstract: A locator stud including a shank and a flange portion integral and coaxially aligned with the shank and a bearing surface between the shank and the flange portion, a method of installation in a panel, including forming an opening in the panel, inserting the flange portion into the panel opening and driving a plunger having an opening receiving the shank, a first annular die surface deforming the bearing surface radially outwardly and a second projecting annular die surface deforming the panel radially inwardly into a concave outer surface of the flange portion and wherein the panel of the locator stud and panel assembly includes a V-shaped depression surrounding the locator stud.

Abstract: A functional element arrangement which includes a functional element which is to be mounted on a component, especially but not exclusively on a brittle or non-rigid component made of a material containing cavities or pores, e.g. plastic, wood, metal foams, plastic or metal filled with hollow bodies, or another relatively soft material, selectively embodied as a sandwich construction or as a composite material e.g. in the form of a single layered or multilayered structure comprising, for example, two layers of sheet metal or plastic and a core made of one of the above-mentioned materials. The invention is characterized in that it is provided with an auxiliary assembly element which enables the functional element to be blocked using forming techniques when it is mounted on the component in a riveting process or a stamping and riveting process.

Abstract: A method for the attachment of a functional element, for example in the form of an RSN or RND element of the company Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, is described in which the hole in the sheet metal part is so formed that the sheet metal part lies in one plane in the region confronting the end face of the riveting die button and at least substantially does not project beyond this plane.

Abstract: A vehicular body panel or component part having a reinforcing backing plate reconciled or joined to a part of a blank material at a position wherein a bending formation is implemented. The backing plate has one or more apertures formed in at least one lateral row at a location equivalent to the position of the bending formation. When forming the blank material and the backing plate concurrently by a bending operation, the backing plate becomes intimately associated with the blank sheet to avoid the backing plate from locally separating from the blank material and from forming a gap relative thereto, with a resultant improved product quality.

Abstract: A pair of metallic components, such as a pair of metallic structural components for a vehicular body and frame assembly, are permanently joined using a magnetic pulse welding process. Initially, a first metallic component is provided having a first aperture that is formed through a first side and a second aperture having a hollow cylindrical flange portion that is formed through a second side. A second metallic component is provided having a surface that extends at an angle relative to the flange portion. The angled surface may be provided in the form of either an enlarged region or a reduced region on the second metallic component. The first and second metallic components are arranged such that the flange portion of the first metallic component overlaps the surface of the second metallic component.

Abstract: A process for forming a metallic tubular connector of the type having a cylindrical shell which extends circumferentially about a tubular body for joining said tubular connector to a conduit. The process involves using a first forming machine to form a first peripheral bead in a first end portion of a tubular metallic body, having a substantially uniform diameter and wall thickness, reduce the outside diameter of a second end portion, and slope an intermediate surface portion. Then, a second end forming machine tool, carrying a metallic socket, freely receives the tubular body second end portion, contacts the sloped intermediate surface portion, forms a second peripheral bead adjacent the first peripheral bead, while an annular end surface of the socket is compressed and locked between the first and second beads. Further, the tubular body is manufactured from a 5000 series aluminum alloy material.

Abstract: A method for placing a functional element, especially a fastening element, in an especially liquid-tight and/or gastight manner, on a metal part. The inventive method is characterized in that a functional element provided with a hollow head segment is pressed against the metal part (212) which is supported by a die (214) and the metal material is deformed into an undercut (324) by deforming the head segment when simultaneous deformation of the hollow head segment occurs and the metal pant is shaped in a forming area defined by parts (216) of the die (214). Said parts (216) are kept in a stationary position during the forming process but are partially removed from the die to enable the functional element which is placed on the metal part (212) to be extracted therefrom. The invention also relates to a die, a functional element, an assembly element and a die arrangement.

Abstract: A method of forming a torque tube (64) is provided. The method includes forming a fitting (80) having an elongated tube conforming area (88). The conforming area (88) includes chamfer areas (82) having upper surfaces (90), lower surfaces (92), and chamfer surfaces (94) that transition between the upper surfaces (90) and the lower surfaces (92) and have chamfer angles (96) of approximately 20 relative to the lower surfaces (92). An elongated tube (86) is procured and an end portion (106) of the elongated tube (86) is formed onto the conforming area (88) to form a torque-transmitting coupling (84). The torque tube (64) is also provided and formed according to the above-stated method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assembling at least two simple sheet metal elements (1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 21, 21?, 22, 22?) for producing a structural part with open section, preferably U-shaped, or closed section, at least one of the metal elements having a high or very high yield strength and low deformability. The invention is characterized in that the metal elements are formed by at least a folding process; the metal elements are arranged relative to each other along a junction section; the metal elements are assembled by a crimped lap-joint (4) along the junction section of said elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly of sheet materials in which a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material are disposed in an overlapping relationship, with a plurality of joint portions being formed therebetween by drawing an overlapping part of the first and second sheets of materials at a plurality of positions. The plurality of joint portions includes at least one first joint portion in which the first sheet of material is laterally extruded into the second sheet of material and at least one second joint portion in which the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material are in contact with each other in a cup-like surface configuration.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of cooking vessels, in particular pots and/or pans and the like suitable for magnetic induction heating, is remarkably simple and comprises the steps of: providing a metallic semimanufactured vessel (A) of the cooking vessel, comprising a hollow (21) and a bottom portion (20); providing a plate member (1), in a metallic material of relatively high hardness, provided with a plurality of points (6a, 6b) projecting from a surface thereof (4) and forming an angle (&agr;) equal to or larger than 90° therewith; inducing, by compression or the plate member (1) at the bottom portion (20), the penetration of said points (6a, 6b) and the adhering of said surface (4) of said plate member (1) on said bottom portion (20).

Abstract: A method of producing metal sections wherein first a groove is made in a section limb by microstructure-changing deformation, then another section limb is placed in the groove and that material of the first section limb which is situated to the side of the groove is moved onto the side walls of the inserted section limb by pressure to such an extent that an at least force-fitting joint between the two section limbs is made at the contact location. This method of microstructure-changing attachment of section limbs makes it possible to produce metal sections with virtually any desired geometry and using any desired starting materials the strength of which sections is comparable to metal sections produced in a previously known manner.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of cooking vessels, in particular pots and/or pans in a relatively soft metallic material, with a plate in a metallic material of high hardness applied to the bottom of the vessel, performs a stable connection among said parts with no mechanical and/or thermal trauma for the materials and comprises the steps of: providing a plate (1) provided with a plurality of points (6) projecting from a surface (4) thereof; inducing, by compression, the penetration of said points (6) and the adhering of said surface (4) at the bottom (20); and stretching said bottom (20), thereby causing the deformation and the clutching of said points (6).

Abstract: An improved connecting rod assembly and method for making a connecting rod wherein the installation of the bearing sleeve members in the large bearing end of the connecting rod is improved. The connecting rod is forged, and then notches are cut in the large bearing end to define a separation plane about which the large bearing end is subsequently separated to form a cap member and a body member. Sleeve bearing members are inserted into the cap member and body member. Free ends of the sleeve bearing members project beyond associated surfaces of the cap and body members a predetermined distance. Upon compressive re-attachment of the cap member to the body member, the free ends of the bearing members are compressed and deformed to provide protrusions that extend into the notch. The protrusions help to prevent rotation of the bearing members relative to the bearing housing.

Abstract: A power assisted combination shear used for forming structural louvers in the crimped seam of structural steel decking comprises a frame supporting a pair of jaws which are opened and closed by means of an operator-controlled pneumatic cylinder. One jaw terminates in a blade and the other jaw has a corresponding die member. The blade and die have undercut reliefs in the root portions, which permit the louver to be formed without breaking through to the edge of the seam. The louver comprises a sheared portion in the form of a bowed tab bridging a corresponding window formed in the seam by the shearing of the tab. The interference between the louver and window provides a substantial increase in the lateral resistance (shear strength) of the crimped seam, thereby obviating the need to additionally weld or screw the seam to provide the necessary shear strength for even the highest stress applications.

Abstract: System for releasably retaining portions of a data cartridge shell in an assembled configuration including at least one first boss tower on a first portion of the data cartridge shell having a receiving hole with an inner surface. At least one second boss tower on a second portion of the data cartridge shell including an outer surface is adapted to releasably engage with the receiving hole at a boss tower interface in the assembled configuration. A plurality of retention ribs and a plurality of guide ribs are located at the boss tower interface to releasably retain the first portion of the cartridge shell to the second portion.

Abstract: A micromechanical seal between a first body and a second body is co-axially threadably securable about a portion of the first body. The seal is created by the combination of an annular planar radial surface within the first body; a surface of rotation of the first body disposed radially inwardly of the annular plane surface and defining, within a radial plane of the body, an obtuse angle, relative to the planar radial surface, in a range of about 90.

Abstract: A seat frame assembly of a motorcycle has upper and lower pipes made of an aluminum alloy and having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The upper and lower pipes have front ends constructed as joints, and solid spacers made of an aluminum alloy and having a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the pipes are fitted in the joints. Flat side walls of each of the joints are sandwiched between flat electrodes of a resistance welding machine, and pressed and heated so as to be crimped on the spacer while an electric current is flowing between the flat electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention apparatus for joining sheet material provides a stepped punch (38). This stepped punch (38) serves to strengthen a joint (14) between two or more sheets of material (16 and 18) by creating a stepped segment (122) in at least one of these sheets of material. During formation of this stepped segment (122), material is forcibly displaced toward another segment of material that is outwardly expanded to interlock with the adjacent sheet of material.

Abstract: A joint structure provides a strong contact force between two metal plates that are joined together by the joint structure. A first metal plate is provided with a lug and an opening under the lug. An edge portion of a second metal plate is inserted under the lug and partially press molded with the lug, so as to be press-fitted into the opening in a state wherein the press-fitted portion is held between the opening and the lug. The press-fitted portion of the second metal plate has a cutoff edge portion which is cut off from the remaining portion of the plate, and a connected edge portion which is not cut off from but remains connected with the remaining portion. The cutoff edge portion contacts a corresponding edge of the opening in the first metal plate to ensure and maintain proper lateral registration of the two plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a clinch joint in overlapping sheets of deformable material and the related method is disclosed. The apparatus includes a die assembly which cooperates with a punch. The die assembly includes an elongated mandrel having an anvil projecting axially from one end for deforming the sheets of material squeezed between the anvil and the punch. The mandrel is larger than the anvil to define a shoulder thereabout generally perpendicular to the die axis. An expandable die button is coaxially aligned upon the mandrel and is provided with a base ring encircling the mandrel and a plurality of die segments. The die segments each have a head portion and a leaf portion extending between the head and the base ring.

Abstract: A tube joint and seat frame formed with tubes joined with the tube joint of the present invention in which the joint is formed by flaring the end of an outer tube, inserting an inner tube into the outer tube beyond the flare forming a telescoping tube portion in which the outer tube overlaps the inner tube. The clearance formed between the inner and outer tubes by the flare is filled with an epoxy resin adhesive. A metal forming process is performed forming apertures through the inner and outer tubes in the telescoping tube portion in which the aperture in the outer tube is concentric with the aperture in the inner tube and is surrounded by a flange extending radially relative to the axis of the tube into the aperture in the inner tube forming a mechanical interlock between the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: A micromechanical seal between a first body and a second body, which is axially threadably securable to the first body, is formed by the combination of a first annular concave radial surface upon the first body, the first surface defining a radius of curvature in the range of about two to about eight ten-thousandths of an inch, a second annular concave radial surface upon the second body, the second surface fully complemental in inner and outer radial dimensions to the first surface, the second surface defining a radius of curvature in the range of about two to about eight ten-thousandths of an inch. Upon tightening of the respective axially threadedable surfaces of the first and second bodies, a micromechanical seal in a region of compression, formed by the opposing concave surfaces, is created.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel crimp connection for directly joining metal tubes together. The crimp connection includes at least one circumferential crimp for locking or fixing the tube end portions together, which locking crimp will have varying lateral and radial dimensions. The connection may also include a second type of circumferential crimp for sealing the tube end portions together, which sealing crimp will preferably have substantially constant lateral and radial dimensions; and may include a third type of crimp for stabilizing the sealing crimp against radial and axial forces applied to the tube end portions.

Abstract: A method of permanently attaching a fastening element, such as a nut or bolt to panels having a range of panel thicknesses, such as the metal panels used by the automotive and appliance industries. The fastening element includes a tubular barrel portion and preferably an annular bearing face surrounding the barrel portion. The method includes punching a hole in the panel, then plasticly deforming and drawing the panel surrounding the hole into a dome or frusto-conically shaped portion. The panel hole is thus enlarged to receive the fastener element barrel portion from adjacent the apex of the frusto-conically shaped panel portion and the bearing face is then driven against the panel, deforming the panel to a generally planar shape. The panel surrounding the hole is thereby driven against the tubular barrel portion which, in the preferred embodiment, includes radially projecting ribs, providing securement against rotation even in very thin panels.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fluid friction coupling which includes a drive shaft made of steel and a drive disc made of an aluminum alloy. A coupling housing defines a work space in which the drive disc is disposed. The drive disc includes a hub defining an internal thread and the drive shaft has an end lug defining an outer thread. The drive shaft and hub are threadably engaged and tightened with respect to each other so as to cause the threads to conjointly define a thread joint which is plastically deformed to provide a permanent joint between the drive disc and the drive shaft.