Abstract: A high-frequency continuous electromagnetic forming device for plate formation comprises a charger, a control terminal, a continuous charge-discharge device, a forming coil and a plate access terminal. The charger is used for charging the continuous charge-discharge device. Capacitor banks are arranged in the continuous charge-discharge device, and capacitors in the capacitor banks are sequentially discharged through an electromagnetic coil to apply a pulsed electromagnetic force to a workpiece to complete one forming process, and after discharging, the capacitors are charged to prepare for further discharging, so that continuous formation is realized. The control terminal is connected to the continuous charge-discharge device and the plate access terminal, and the forming coil is connected to the continuous charge-discharge device through a wire.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for pressure forming a metal preform including shock annealing of the preform and subsequently preheating the preform prior to pressure forming. Shock annealing may be carried out as differential shock annealing in which different regions of the preform are annealed to different degrees. Preheating may be carried out by differentially preheating, optionally shock preheating, different regions of the preform for preheating at least those regions of the preform which will be subject to elevated expansion during pressure forming. Shock annealing by induction heating can lower energy consumption, reduce processing times and allow for larger expansion of the preform.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a vehicle top is disclosed. The apparatus may include a base frame including two or more legs and one or more support structures couplable to the one or more legs at a selected angle. The apparatus may include a body frame including a main support and a lifting arm bracket couplable to the main support. The apparatus may include a lifting arm including a lifting platform couplable to a lifting support and one or more stabilizing linkages couplable to the lifting arm bracket, the lifting arm, and the lifting support. The lifting platform may engage an underside of a vehicle top and maintain an orientation substantially parallel to a ground surface as the lifting arm rotates about an axis through the lifting arm bracket.

Abstract: A fastener includes a sleeve, a core bolt, and an insert. The sleeve includes a first portion having a first inner diameter, a second portion having a second inner diameter, and a step intermediate the first and second portions. The core bolt includes a cylindrical portion having a first diameter, a threaded portion having a major diameter, and a thread run-out intermediate the cylindrical and threaded portions. The insert is disposed within the sleeve and is sized and shaped to be retained between the step of the sleeve and the thread run-out of the core bolt when the fastener is in a pre-installation position. The fastener compresses the insert between the step of the sleeve and the thread run-out of the core bolt by an installation motion of the core bolt. The insert deforms away from the core bolt to initiate formation of a bulb in response to the compression.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, softening, and thermoplastically forming magnetic metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, sheet forming, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second.

Abstract: One embodiment includes providing a contiguous tubular member including at least one of a first material or a second material, so that the tubular member has a wall thickness that varies along the length of the tubular member; bending the tubular member; and hydroforming the tubular member into a part.

Abstract: A method for forming a piece of a sheet metal is performed by positioning a consumable body, made of metal, proximate to the piece of the sheet metal. The consumable body is rapidly vaporized, and the gas pressure generated thereby is directed into the piece of the sheet metal. This results in acceleration of the piece of sheet metal, and it is collided into a stationary body at a velocity, generally in excess of 200 m/s. Depending upon the type of stationary body, the piece of sheet metal is deformed into a predetermined shape or is welded onto the stationary body. The vaporization is accomplished by passing a high current of electricity into the consumable body. The effect of the vaporized metal may be augmented by additional components in the consumable body.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a dynamically tunable structure including an elastic layer, and a plurality of ferromagnetic micropillars disposed over the elastic layer. The elastic layer may have an elasticity that is greater than an elasticity of the micropillars.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming magnetic metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, sheet forming, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component. The process can include providing an incremental forming machine, the machine having at least one arcuate tipped tool and at least electrode spaced a predetermined distance from the arcuate tipped tool. The machine is operable to perform a plurality of incremental deformations on the sheet metal component using the arcuate tipped tool. The machine is also operable to apply an electric direct current through the electrode into the sheet metal component at the predetermined distance from the arcuate tipped tool while the machine is forming the sheet metal component.

Abstract: The invention is intended to improve a tool arrangement and method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a molding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, to the effect that the tool arrangement and the method are suitable and simplified for mass production. This object is solved by means of a tool arrangement and a method for explosive forming of a workpiece by means of gas explosion, in which the workpiece is arranged in a intake area of a molding tool, wherein the intake area is at least partially filled with liquid and the explosion is triggered by means of ignition of an explosive gas mixture, in which the explosive gas mixture is provided at least partially above the surface of the liquid before the ignition.

Abstract: A device for a plumbing installation, the device, for example, may be a valve, such as valve (1), or a fluid flow meter (6), and has a casing (10) that is hydraulically formed from metal tubing so as to have a wall surrounding a void interior. The casing (10) is provided with one or more formations, such as shoulders (64) and (65) and at least one inlet opening (14) and at least one outlet opening (18). A cartridge (12) is at least partly located in the void interior of the casing (10). The cartridge (12) has at least two openings, being a first opening (20) and a second opening (22). Seals (46), (48) and (50) are provided between the casing (10) and the cartridge (12). The cartridge (12) is accommodated in the casing (10) by the one or more formations of the casing (10). The cartridge (12) is provided with the operational components of the device (1). The inlet opening (14) of the casing (10) and the first opening (20) of the cartridge (12) are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A cross tube for a helicopter skid landing gear, including a monolithic metallic tube having a central portion extending transversely between two end portions with longitudinal central axes of the central portion and of the end portions being located in a plane, where the central portion has inner and outer heights, the end portions each have inner and outer heights, and the inner and outer heights of one of the central portion and the end portion are respectively greater than the inner and outer heights of the other of the central portion and the end portion. A skid tube with two portions with cross-sections having one or both of different orientations with respect to one another and different dimensions with respect to one another, and a method of forming a structural tube for a helicopter skid landing gear are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the manufacture of a coil spring from a wire. The apparatus comprises first and second tools for contacting the wire prior to, and/or during, deformation of the wire into a coil spring. The apparatus includes means for applying an electrical potential difference between the first and second tools such that an electric current is caused to flow through at least part of the wire during use.

Abstract: A method of thermomagnetically processing a material includes disposing a workpiece within a bore of a magnet; exposing the workpiece to a magnetic field of at least about 1 Tesla generated by the magnet; and, while exposing the workpiece to the magnetic field, applying heat energy to the workpiece at a plurality of frequencies to achieve spatially-controlled heating of the workpiece. An apparatus for thermomagnetically processing a material comprises: a high field strength magnet having a bore extending therethrough for insertion of a workpiece therein; and an energy source disposed adjacent to an entrance to the bore. The energy source is an emitter of variable frequency heat energy, and the bore comprises a waveguide for propagation of the variable frequency heat energy from the energy source to the workpiece.

Abstract: In order to develop a surgical needle comprising an elongate needle body and a needle point formed on a distal end of the needle body, wherein the needle body is manufactured in particular from an elongate cylindrical blank, in a way that improves the handling ability of the surgical needle, it is proposed that the needle body has at least one textured-profile lateral face, which comprises at least one textured-profile lateral-face region provided with a textured profile, wherein the textured profile comprises a plurality of indentations and wherein the at least one textured-profile lateral-face region extends as far as the needle point. An improved method of manufacturing a surgical needle is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool in combination with an electromagnetic force generated by the interaction of the applied current with a transverse magnetic field. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous metal and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less, at which point the interaction between the electric field and the magnetic field generates a force capable of shaping the heated sample into a high quality amorphous bulk article via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, and blow molding in a time scale of less than one second.

Abstract: A method for forming a smooth interface between a weld cap and an adjacent base metal utilizing ultrasonic impact treatment. The method improves the geometric profile of a weld while imparting a compressive residual stress layer on the weld metal and base metal thereby alleviating the tensile residual stresses imparted to the metals during welding. The contouring process does not remove material, as in grinding, but plastically deforms the surface being treated producing a densified surface, in turn providing a smooth weld cap and base metal surface finish without the loss of base or weld metal thickness.

Abstract: A process for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component is provided. The process can include providing a double side incremental forming machine, the machine operable to perform a plurality of double side incremental deformations on the sheet metal component and also apply an electric direct current to the sheet metal component during at least part of the forming. The direct current can be applied before or after the forming has started and/or be terminated before or after the forming has stopped. The direct current can be applied to any portion of the sheet metal. The electrical assistance can reduce the magnitude of force required to produce a given amount of deformation, increase the amount of deformation exhibited before failure and/or reduce any springback typically exhibited by the sheet metal component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for explosive forming of workpieces, comprising an ignition chamber and an ignition mechanism, wherein an explosive agent can be ignited at an ignition location in the ignition chamber using the ignition mechanism, and an ignition chamber outlet is provided, to be improved such that the ignition mechanism has a longer service life. The aim is achieved by a device wherein an impact breaker is provided in the propagation path (37) of the detonation wave.

Abstract: A hydro-forming tool for use in a method of forming a blank into a liquid filled chamber. The chamber is formed by a container ring and a moveable wall that together define a variable volume chamber for containing the liquid. The wall is moveable relative to the container ring to provide a chamber in which the volume of liquid required to back up the blank is minimized. The liquid reduces friction at the chamber entry rim. Liquid may be ported through a counter punch to hydro-form the blank into the detail forming areas.

Abstract: A pipe diameter expansion apparatus includes: a hollow cylindrical member that can be placed in a pipe filled with water, and through which a heat medium having a lower temperature than a freezing point of the water flows from one end to the other end; at least two plate-like fins provided to protrude outward from the cylindrical member; and a heat insulator that is provided between the two fins, and reduces heat transmission between inside and outside the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming magnetic metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, sheet forming, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second.

Abstract: A roll-over protective structure for a frame structure of a cab assembly including an outer tube and an inner tube disposed within the outer tube at a pre-determined location to define a composite tube. The composite tube has an upright support with an end portion, and a transverse support connecting the upright support to define a curved corner. Further, the composite tube may have a U-shaped configuration. The composite tube may be further shaped through a hydroforming process to achieve a desired cross-section at the pre-determined location. For example, the curved corner may have a first cross-section, and the end portion may have a second cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure vessel and a pressing arrangement comprising such a pressure vessel, for use at high-pressure pressing. The pressure vessel comprises a pressure chamber arranged for accommodating a pressure medium is provided. The pressure vessel comprises one or several cylinder segment/segments arranged to form a pressure vessel cylinder surrounding the pressure chamber, whereby a joint is formed at adjacent longitudinal edges of the cylinder segment/segments. Prestressing means are provided around an outer envelope surface of the pressure vessel cylinder for radially prestressing the pressure vessel cylinder. Each joint at adjacent edges of the cylinder segment or segments has a continuous extension along the longitudinal length of the pressure vessel cylinder.

Abstract: Device for processing a substrate are described herein. Devices can include a radiation source and an aperture positioned to receive radiant energy from the radiation source. The aperture can include one or more members, and one or more interfering areas, wherein the interfering areas surround a transmissive area. The one or more structures can affect transmission of radiant energy through a portion of the transmissive area of the aperture. Structures disposed on the aperture can reduce or redirect transmission to provide for more uniform overall transmission of radiant energy through the aperture.

Abstract: The manufacturing method comprises the steps of: carrying out one or more forming operations so as to give the desired geometry to the part; and subjecting the part thus formed to a single heat treatment having only a stress relieving treatment, which is preferably carried out at a temperature in the range from 530° C. to 580° C. for a time in the interval from 45 to 60 minutes and is followed by cooling of the part in air. By virtue of the formed part being subjected to a stress relieving heat treatment, the residual stress state due to the initial forming process and to the bead welding, if any, is eliminated or at least significantly reduced.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion obtained by mixing oxide particles and water is sprayed to a raw aluminum foil from a direction opposite to a travelling direction of the raw aluminum foil while the raw aluminum foil is allowed to travel. In this way, a roll-pressed mark of the raw aluminum foil is eliminated, and thus aluminum foil for aluminum electrolytic capacitor electrode is produced. Pyramidal-shaped recesses each having an acute angle tip are present all over a surface of the aluminum foil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool in combination with an electromagnetic force generated by the interaction of the applied current with a transverse magnetic field. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous metal and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less, at which point the interaction between the electric field and the magnetic field generates a force capable of shaping the heated sample into a high quality amorphous bulk article via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, and blow molding in a time scale of less than one second.

Abstract: An end band and method of forming an end band for a rotor. The end band includes a hollow cylindrical band, wherein at least a portion of the band has a grain flow in a direction parallel to the hoop stress of the band. The end band also includes at least a portion having a grain flow in a direction perpendicular to the hoop stress of the band.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool in combination with an electromagnetic force generated by the interaction of the applied current with a transverse magnetic field. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous metal and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less, at which point the interaction between the electric field and the magnetic field generates a force capable of shaping the heated sample into a high quality amorphous bulk article via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, and blow molding in a time scale of less than one second.

Abstract: A laser nanoforming system and method for forming three-dimensional nanostructures from a metallic surface. A laser beam is directed to hit and explode an ablative layer to generate a shockwave that exerts a force on the metallic surface to form an inverse nanostructure of an underlying mold. A dry lubricant can be located between the metallic surface and mold to reduce friction. A confinement layer substantially transparent to the laser beam can confine the shockwave. A cushion layer can protect the mold from damage. A flyer layer between the ablative layer and metallic surface can protect the metallic surface from thermal effects of the exploding ablative layer. The mold can have feature sizes less than 500 nm. The metallic surface can be aluminum film. The dry lubricant can be sputtered Au—Cr film, evaporated Au film or a dip-coated PVP film or other dry lubricant materials.

Abstract: A mirror or mirror assembly fabricated by molding, pressing, assembling, or depositing one or more bulk metal glass (BMG), bulk metal glass composite (BMGMC), or amorphous metal (AM) parts and where the optical surface and backing of the mirror can be fabricated without machining or polishing by utilizing the unique molding capabilities of this class of materials.

Abstract: In the autofrettage process, a thick-walled workpiece (2) to undergo autofrettage is positioned in an autofrettage apparatus (1). The interior space (5) of the workpiece (2) is filled with a fluid and closed so as to be pressure-tight. The volume available to the fluid in the interior space (5) of the workpiece (2) is reduced by a displacement piston (19) which is moved into the interior space (5) of the workpiece (2) through a displacement piston opening (6) of the workpiece (2). The pressure is therefore generated in the interior space (5) of the workpiece (2).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a branched pipe includes: a first swelling step of swelling a swelled part from a main body of a pipe blank by pressurizing the inner surface of the pipe blank by an elastic body, and simultaneously, forming an opening in the tip portion of the swelled part along a circumferential direction; and a second swelling step of swelling the swelled part from the main body by pressurizing the inner surface of the pipe blank by the elastic body.

Abstract: A process for the production of an acoustic treatment panel that includes an acoustically resistive layer (24), at least one alveolar structure (26), and a reflective layer (28), as well as at least one channel that is bordered at least in part by a wall (32) that is secant with at least one wall of a cell of the alveolar structure (26), includes elevating the temperature of the wall (32) and the ends of the cells of the alveolar structure (26) and injecting a pressurized gas into the channel (30) so as to expand the wall (32) of the channel so as to flatten it against the ends of the cells of the alveolar structure (26) in such a way as to produce a weld by continuous diffusion between the ends of the walls of the cells of the alveolar structure (26) and the wall (32) of the channel (30).

Abstract: A hydro-forming tool is disclosed in which first and second electrohydraulic forming (EHF) electrodes are used to provide a pressure pulse in opposite ends of a tubular pre-form. Alternatively, an accumulator with a rupturable membrane may be provided in opposite ends of a tubular pre-form for hydro-forming the tubular pre-form. A multiple discharge hydro-forming tool is also disclosed in which several pairs of accumulators are provided with selectively rupturable membranes that are ruptured to provide a pressure pulse in opposite ends of a tubular pre-form. The accumulators or EHF electrodes may be sequenced to provide separate pressure pulses that may be coordinated with retraction of a filler plug or shifting of a split ring into their respective retracted positions. A plurality of pressure pulses may be used to form, pierce and trim the tubular pre-form.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high velocity electromagnetic metal forming are described for sealing containers. The methods include applying an electromagnetic field to the container to seal a metal containing cap to the container. One or more containers may be simultaneously sealed. The apparatus includes an actuator that emits the electromagnetic field to seal the caps to the containers. The containers may contain a medicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component {1, 2, 3, 4, 6) within the interior of a vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a part of a seat-structure. The present invention further relates to a process to produce a component { 1, 2, 3, 4, 6) Within the interior of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for improving mechanical properties of a magnetically activatable material for reducing ripples in the magnetically activatable material. The method includes conveying the magnetically activatable material using at least one conveying device through a processing region, and applying a force on the magnetically activatable material in the processing region to deform the magnetically activatable material. The force is contactlessly applied by a plurality of magnet groups that form a plurality of magnetic fields, and which are arranged in a material flow direction side by side or one behind another. The plurality of magnetic fields are applied in or opposite to the material flow direction, and travel along one of the plurality of magnet groups or between two of the plurality of magnet groups.

Abstract: Rolling element bores are provided in the outer circumferential portion of a disk-like main body. Each rolling element bore has an arcuate outer rim. Rollers each have a groove formed on the peripheral edge and extending along the entire circumference of the roller. The outer rim of each rolling element bore engages with the groove of the associated roller so that the roller is loosely fitted in the rolling element bore. Shafts are respectively formed on both sides of each roller. The shafts project from the center of the roller. An elastic ring is mounted on each shaft. Annular guide plates are respectively mounted on both sides of the disk-like main body so that the shafts of the rollers are supported by the guide plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural element (100) of a motor vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle seat, wherein the structural element (100) comprises a first component (101) and a second component (102). In an overlap region (103), the first component (101) and the second component (102) have a formed-closed connection, or a form-closed and form-closed connection, wherein the connection in the overlap region (103) can be produced by an electromagnetic pulse shaping method, wherein the first component comprises at least one form-closed moulding (600), wherein the second component can be moulded into the at least one form-closed moulding (600).

Abstract: The means for making a bimetallic pipe, made up of a pipe telescopically inserted with clearance inside a pipe and projecting from both ends of the latter, comprising a fixed expansion head and a moveable expansion head, wherein the ends of the bimetallic pipe are inserted before proceeding to the hydraulic or oil hydraulic closure of particular clamping members around each end of the outer pipe while the inner pipe has the ends positioned against the corresponding elastic abutments made inside each of the above-mentioned heads, thus being free to move axially and radially to rotate around its own axis during plastic expansion thereof.

Abstract: A frame for a cab of a mobile machine includes first and second primary tubes, formed by hydroforming, connected to first and second secondary tubes. The first primary tube includes first and second about vertically extending portions and an about horizontally extending portion. The about vertically extending portions are configured to be connected to the mobile machine, and the about horizontally extending portion is disposed between the about vertically extending portions. The second primary tube includes first and second about vertically extending portions and an about horizontally extending portion. The about vertically extending portions of the second primary tube are configured to be connected to the mobile machine, and the about horizontally extending portion of the second primary tube is disposed between the about vertically extending portions of the second primary tube.

Abstract: A water meter casing and manufacturing process thereof are provided. The water meter casing comprises a middle casing (1), a water inlet port (2) and a water outlet port (3), which are separate parts, wherein a water inlet (4) and a water outlet (5) where the water inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) are arranged are respectively provided at the two sides of the middle casing (1), and a support ring (6) is also provided in the inner cavity of the middle casing (1). The manufacturing process of the water meter casing relates to a method of forming the water meter casing by high pressure hydraulic bulging. The manufacturing process is simple and easy to carry out, and it presents the advantage of low cost.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cold rolling fluid, including: (a) a hydrocarbon base including at least 50 wt % of isoparaffins; (b) one or more frictional modifiers selected from among fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty amines, fatty acid esters, or polymer esters resulting from the esterification of alpha-olefin copolymers and dicarboxylic acids using alcohols; and (c) one or more phosphorous anti-wear and/or extreme pressure additives. The disclosure also relates to an emulsion containing the rolling fluid and to the use of the rolling fluid for cold-rolling steel.

Abstract: A process for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component is provided. The process can include providing a double side incremental forming machine, the machine operable to perform a plurality of double side incremental deformations on the sheet metal component and also apply an electric direct current to the sheet metal component during at least part of the forming. The direct current can be applied before or after the forming has started and/or be terminated before or after the forming has stopped. The direct current can be applied to any portion of the sheet metal. The electrical assistance can reduce the magnitude of force required to produce a given amount of deformation, increase the amount of deformation exhibited before failure and/or reduce any springback typically exhibited by the sheet metal component.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating veins and venous conditions, such as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, are provided. In one aspect, the disclosed subject matter provides an intraluminal scaffold having a generally tubular body with a lumen defined therethrough, the tubular body having a compressed condition for delivery and an expanded condition for implant within a vessel having a distended portion, at least a length of the tubular body configured to form an enlarged portion in the expanded condition to engage a wall of the distended portion of the vessel. Methods for fabricating and using the scaffold, methods for remodeling a vein, and methods of deploying a medical device in a vessel without negatively impacting the function of a valve of the vessel, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool in combination with an electromagnetic force generated by the interaction of the applied current with a transverse magnetic field. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous metal and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less, at which point the interaction between the electric field and the magnetic field generates a force capable of shaping the heated sample into a high quality amorphous bulk article via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, and blow molding in a time scale of less than one second.

Abstract: Steel rod stock is shaped into a fuel injector tip having a central axis and including a shank extending between a mating end and a nozzle end. An inner surface of the fuel injector tip includes a conical needle valve seat and defines a nozzle chamber and a sac on opposite sides of the needle valve seat. The mating end includes a injector stack surface and an injector body contact surface. After shaping the fuel injector tip, it is a case hardened to a hardness in excess of HRC 55. Next, the nozzle end is shaped, after the case hardening step, to include a plurality of nozzle surfaces that each define one of a plurality of nozzle outlets extending between the sac and the outer surface. The inner surface and the nozzle surfaces are then autofrettaged to induce compressive residual stress at the case hardened needle valve seat, the case hardened sac and at least a portion of the nozzle surfaces closest to the sac.