Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for a flexible circuit. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit bends on a curved surface to form a partial loop.

Abstract: Provided are a conveying jig, a method of manufacturing the conveying jig, and a method of heat-treating metal rings using the conveying jig. The conveying jig is provided with a base and ten holding shafts raised from the base. Ridges and grooves are alternatively provided in the side wall of each holding shaft. The metal rings are held in position by being engaged in the grooves in the holding shafts. The space enclosed within the holding shafts is communicated with the atmosphere, and this allows, when the metal rings held by the conveying jig are subjected to heat treatment in a heat treatment furnace, an atmospheric gas to circulate in the space enclosed within the holding shafts.

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: 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: Electromagnetic forming can lead to better formability along with additional benefits. The spatial distribution of forming pressure in electromagnetic forming can be controlled by the configuration of the actuator. A type of actuator is discussed which gives a uniform pressure distribution in forming. It also provides a mechanically robust design and has a high efficiency for flat sheet forming.

Abstract: A bronze outlet pipe and making process thereof comprises the steps of: a. fluid inflation forming; b. working an outer wall of the tube member; c. working a first and a second connectors; d. working an arcuate leadless brass tube; e. selectively welding the first inlet with the orifice or welding the first outlet with the mouth together; f. welding the first connector and the tube member together; g. selectively welding the first connector or the second connector with the first opening of the first inlet together, or welding the orifice of the first connector or the mouth of the second connector with the first inlet of the tube member or the first outlet of the tube member together; h. surface treating; wherein the tube member and plural welding portions are surface treated to finish the bronze outlet pipe.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a catalytic converter, which includes a monolith wrapped in a mat and is disposed in a housing, wherein an average diameter of the monolith and a thickness of the mat are determined and the monolith is wrapped in the mat. A housing blank is formed into a housing and the wrapped monolith is enclosed in the housing. The average diameter of the monolith is determined by introducing the monolith in a measurement space having an interior volume, filling a gap between the measurement space and the monolith with a fluid, measuring a quantity of fluid which corresponds to a volume difference between the monolith and the interior volume of the measurement space, and calculating the average diameter of the monolith from the volume difference.

Abstract: A multi-layer driver plate is disclosed for use in electromagnetic sheet metal forming operations. In one embodiment, the driver plate comprises a first layer characterized by low electrical resistivity and thickness for inducement and application of a suitable electromagnetic forming force, a second layer comprising an elastomeric material for compressing a sheet metal workpiece against a die surface and then regaining its original pre-forming structure, and a third layer interposed between the first layer and the second layer to protect the EMF force providing layer and to provide overall strength and durability to the EMF driver plate.

Abstract: A pneumatic fire detector is disclosed having a switch module comprising a manifold operatively connected to a sensor tube, the switch module incorporating respective forming tubes for applying a sufficient pressure to the outer surface of an installed diaphragm to deform it and thereafter the diaphragm is exposed to a pre-determined pressure through the manifold to deform the diaphragm outwards and into contact with a respective switch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are magnetic storage devices and uses therefor. The devices comprise an injection pad and a nanowire extending from an outer edge of the injection pad. The injection pad and the nanowire of the disclosed magnetic storage devices have a geometry that is designed to optimize high density memory storage via low magnetic field domain wall shifting. The devices may be utilized, for example, for generating and storing magnetic domain walls for application in memory devices, sensor devices, and logic devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a workpiece having a desired configuration as well as an associated preform assembly are provided. The forming method and apparatus as well as the preform assembly include a hydrostatic pressing medium, such as a layer of glass, disposed within the die cavity proximate to at least one side of the workpiece. The hydrostatic pressing medium is configured to have a relatively low viscosity at the temperatures at which the workpiece is processed, thereby facilitating the relatively even application of pressure to the workpiece. As such, a workpiece having a complex configuration may be formed utilizing a single acting die.

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: The system contains a metal tray formed from a sheet of metal. A plurality of pockets is formed in the metal tray, wherein the plurality of pockets is formed from manipulating the sheet of metal. A cover is formed over the metal tray. Optionally, a base may be engaged with the cover, wherein the metal tray is formed to fit snugly between the cover and the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding tubular elements includes a tool body, an axially compressible expansion body mounted on the tool body such that the outer surface of the expansion body is substantially the same outer diameter as that of the tool body, and means for axially compressing the expansion body such that its outer surface is expanded beyond the outer diameter of the tool body.

Abstract: A method for shaping a conical metal tube using a tool that has sealing pistons and a die cavity with a complex contour is described. The die cavity has two ends with a cylindrical portion of the die cavity located at each end. The method includes inserting the conical tube into the die cavity such that the ends of the conical tube protrude into the cylindrical sections of the die cavity. Sealing pistons engage the tube ends and press each tube end against a cylindrical portion of the die cavity to seal an interior space of the conical tube. The tube is shaped by applying pressure to the sealed interior of the tube to force the tube against the complex contour of the die cavity while simultaneously axially compressed the tube by exerting axial forces on the tube ends with the sealing pistons.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and maintains the patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and can be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, wherein the support is capable of maintaining the patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: Electromagnetic forming can lead to better formability along with additional benefits. The spatial distribution of forming pressure in electromagnetic forming can be controlled by the configuration of the actuator. A type of actuator is discussed which gives a uniform pressure distribution in forming. It also provides a mechanically robust design and has a high efficiency for flat sheet forming.

Abstract: A vacuum forming machine includes a chamber configured to house a base member and a decorative sheet and including an exhaust port, an exhauster arranged to exhaust air from inside the chamber through the exhaust port, at least one static remover arranged to remove static electricity from a surface of the base member that has been loaded into the chamber, and a dust collector arranged so as to oppose the exhaust port.

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 target tubular member with flange, such as a bumper stay, has a flange having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of an axial section and is formed by electromagnetic forming without excessive expansion. The tubular member with flange includes an axial member made of a tubular aluminum alloy extrudate and a flange member joined to an end of the axial member. The axial member has an end flange being integrated at its end and having an area smaller than that of the flange member. The flange member has a hole, and a cylindrical hole flange at the edge of the hole. The axial member fits in the hole of the flange member, the end flange is in intimate contact with the flange member, and the outer periphery of a small-diameter portion of the axial member is in intimate contact with the inner periphery of the hole flange. The hole flange is held between the end flange and a protrusion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high velocity electromagnetic metal forming are described for sealing containers (40). The methods include applying an electromagnetic field to the container (40) to seal a metal containing cap (60) to the container (40). One or more containers (40) may be simultaneously sealed. The apparatus includes an actuator (410) that emits the electromagnetic field to seal the caps (60) to the containers (40). The containers (40) may contain a medicine.

Abstract: A method of producing flat products in aluminum alloys comprising: A) cold rolling to a hardened condition: B) applying a short-time ion beam surface treatment; and C) repeating steps A and B until a flat rolled product of a specified thickness is obtained. The surface treatment is preferably performed using an ion beam of atomic mass A?10 amu having a power of between about 20-40 keV and an ion current density of between about 0.1-1 mA/cm2 for from about 5 to about 200 seconds. In the process of irradiation flat products may be continuously and uniformly displaced with respect to the ion beam.

Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus comprising a shape memory effect material includes a bridge member having at least three sides and an open center portion. Each of the bridge member sides defines a curve having a respective first radius when the shape memory effect material is in a first state, and a respective second radius larger than a corresponding first radius when the shape memory effect material is in a second state. Elongate members are connected to, and extend outwardly from, the bridge member. Each of the elongate members are connected to the bridge member at an approximate intersection of a respective two of the sides, such that each elongate member is subject to a force from each of two intersecting sides, and moves toward the open center portion of the bridge member when the shape memory effect material changes from the second state to the first state.

Abstract: An aerofoil member (10) comprising a ‘smart core’ (14) and a flexible skin (12). The core comprises sheet material elements (16) forming adjoining cells (18). The length of the elements can be changed, for example using the piezo-electric effect, to alter the cross-sectional shape of the aerofoil without changing the peripheral length. Thus the shape of the aerofoil may be changed to suit different flight conditions, or to mimic the effect of control surfaces.

Abstract: Magnesium and other metal alloy sheet materials are deformed at hot forming temperatures into vehicle body panels and other articles. Many such hot forming operations are improved in speed and product quality by predetermining a static recrystallization temperature of the sheet material. As the sheet material is being heated to its hot forming temperature, deformation is commenced below the static recrystallization temperature. As heating and deformation are continued, dynamic recrystallization of the workpiece occurs and deformation may proceed faster and to a greater extent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a ductile sheet or work piece into a part or component. The method includes using a forming apparatus wherein the workpiece is placed between and upper die and a blank holder and then lowered onto a punch such that continued lowering of the upper die draws the workpiece around the punch. Once the draw process is complete, gas pressure acts on one side of the workpiece to press the workpiece against a forming surface of the punch to complete the forming process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydroforming member includes the step of providing a blank (10). The blank (10) is defined by blank wall (16). The blank (10) is placed in a die assembly (14) having a die cavity (12) defined by a die surface (24). The blank (10) is expanded so that the blank wall (16) is forced against the die surface (24) to form the hydroformed member. A portion of the blank wall conforms against a wall-thinning element (26, 28) positioned along the die surface (24) to form a removable wall section (46, 50) in a portion of the blank wall (24). The removable wall section (46, 50) is then removed from the blank wall (16) to form an opening in the hydroformed member.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic forming (EHF) tool having a pair of electrodes that can be used to generate a shockwave to facilitate forming a sheet metal blank against a forming die. The electrodes may be adjusted during the course of operation. This may be useful should continued use cause their efficiency to drop below a desired threshold.

Abstract: A metal separator for fuel cells formed with a metal plate and provided between cells accumulated, in which the metal plate is formed like trapezoidal irregularities to separate channels for a fuel gas from ones for an oxidant gas. Slope portions are formed after forming uniformly and thinly wall thickness of both upper and lower flat portions or either of the upper or the lower flat portion to 90% or less of that of the metal plate to be formed to obtain trapezoidal irregularities by forming flat portions which contact upper and lower cells and slope portions which interconnect the upper and the lower flat portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piercing device of a hydroforming mold with a lower steel having a cavity therein, which can make the replacement of the pierce punch easier. The piercing device comprises: a pierce punch, the front edge portion of which is inserted into the cavity, for punching a hole through a molding material; a pierce cylinder for providing hydraulic pressure; a rod connected to the pierce cylinder, which is to be operated by the hydraulic pressure; and a pierce block connecting the rod and the pierce punch, wherein the length between the front edge portion of the rod and the pierce punch is greater than the length of the pierce punch.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a complexly-shaped tubular structure such as a tapered pillar or other structure for a vehicle body. A sheet metal blank having a longitudinal axis is rolled about the longitudinal axis to form a tubular shape and the side edges of the blank are then welded together to form a tube. The tube is then enclosed in a hydroforming die and pressurized to conform the tube to the shape of the die and thereby form the desired complex shape. The sheet metal blank may be formed by the end-to-end welding together of a plurality of separate sheet metal blanks that differ from one another in characteristic including material thickness, material alloy composition, and/or coating. One or more of the blanks can have side edges that are non-parallel so that the tube will taper in diameter along its length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum-assisted method and a device for forming an essentially flat blank (12) of metal into a thin-walled, shell-type body (14), especially for performing the method in accordance with one of the preceding claims, that has a supporting structure (16) forming a mold chamber (18) that holds the blank (12) during increasing deformation into the thin-walled, shell-body (14), a device (20) allocated to the supporting structure (16) for clamping the blank (12) about its circumference (22) to the supporting structure (16), that seals the reverse face (24) of the blank (12) facing towards the mold chamber (18) against the front face (26) of the blank (12) facing away from the mold chamber (18), and a device (28) allocated to the mold chamber (18) that also communicates with the mold chamber (18) for applying a vacuum and evacuating the mold chamber (18), and at least one forming tool (50) applied to the front face (26) of the blank (12) is/are allocated to the supporting structure (16), an

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an inside of a pipe which performs various works from an inside of a pipe, includes traveling drive units, a working device, rotation support mechanisms, a coupling mechanism, and suspension devices. The traveling drive units are inserted into the inside of the pipe, and the working device is moved in a circumferential direction along the inside of the pipe by the traveling drive units.

Abstract: An EMP apparatus includes first and second opposed field shaper segments. The field shaper segments include opposed working portions. First and second coil segments respectively support the first and second opposed field shaper segments. The coil segments are electrically operable and in eddy current contact with the field shaper segments. Insulators are disposed between the field shaper segments and the coil segments. A frame moveably supports the coil segments for movement between open and closed positions of the coil segments. Metal stock can be disposed between the shaper segment working portions by opening the shaper and coil segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the joining, to a first conductor that includes a connector, of a second conductor formed by at least one strand made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy and having at least one end, the shape of which allows it to be introduced into the connector of the first conductor. The method has a step of installing the conductors, with the end of the second conductor being inserted into the connector of the first conductor. There is a magnetostriction step which has an electrodynamic force being generated in the connector so that the connector is crushed around the second conductor introduced into the connector. The subject of the invention is also a magnetostriction-generating device. In particular, the invention applies to the connecting-up of energy networks on all (for example, aerospace) carriers and equipment, with high-current and/or long links. The invention may also apply to connections suitable for information transmission on general-purpose conductors.

Abstract: A hydroformed dovetail joint and method of joining tubular members includes a first hydroformed tubular member having a depression therein and a second hydroformed tubular member having an end. The end of the second hydroformed tubular member is disposed over the depression of the first hydroformed tubular member to join the first hydroformed tubular member and the second hydroformed tubular member together to form a dovetail joint between the first hydroformed tubular member and the second hydroformed tubular member.

Abstract: A system for reducing the diameter of a stent comprises a stent contracting assembly and a fluid source. The assembly comprises a plurality of contracting members that define a diameter reduction chamber for receiving a stent. When the chamber is in a pre-reduction configuration the stent has a first diameter and when the chamber is in a reduced configuration the stent has a second diameter. The second diameter is less than the first diameter. The fluid source is in fluid communication with the chamber and is constructed and arranged to inject a fluid therein. The fluid forms a fluid bearing between the contracting members and the stent which prevents the contracting members from contacting the stent in the reduced diameter configuration.

Abstract: A press of pressure cell type, which comprises a press chamber in which a diaphragm device is arranged. The diaphragm device comprises a diaphragm which together with a press plate forms a pressure cell and is adapted to exert a forming pressure on a workpiece in the press chamber. The edge area of the diaphragm is placed in an annular diaphragm support. The press of pressure cell type also comprises actuating means which are adapted to actively exert a force on the diaphragm support in the direction of the press plate, the diaphragm support pressing the edge area of the diaphragm against the press plate so that an initial seal is provided between the diaphragm at its edge area and the press plate, which seal is built up when supplying pressure medium to the pressure cell by expansion of the diaphragm. The invention also relates to a diaphragm device, a method for applying a pressing power and a method for exchanging a diaphragm in a press of pressure cell type.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production of a plurality of uniform expansions of a tube in a plurality of tube supports simultaneously. A plurality of tubes are expanded in apertures of tube supports in a repetitive manner, each tube being expanded into the plurality of tube supports simultaneously. The tube expander assembly, when positioned such that each bladder is centered on each land of the tube support surrounding the tube, will precisely control the degree (magnitude) of expansion of each tube against the tube support aperture by controlling the amount of applied hydraulic pressure applied to expandable bladders. The method and apparatus can also be used to expand a tube into the apertures of the tube sheet. This operation can be accomplished without removing the tube expander assembly from the tube. Ideally, the operation is accomplished simultaneously, but may be accomplished in sequential pressurizations.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an anisotropic formed body in which functional, magnetic fine particles are oriented in a specific direction within a matrix and in which anisotropy is given to properties attributable to the functional fine particles. The apparatus allows use of a wide variety of materials as the functional fine particles and realizes an anisotropy which is parallel and of a uniform interval within a large area. Further, a method for manufacturing an anisotropic formed body, includes applying, by using a superconducting magnet device, a uniform and parallel magnetic field with magnetic lines of force at equal intervals and parallel to each other, to a mold in which the matrix is filled with a liquid molding material containing functional, magnetic fine particles, to orient the functional fine particles in a direction of the magnetic lines of force, whereby the liquid molding material subsequently hardens.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a pipeline to a high internal pressure of the order of 1000 to 15000 bar, having at least a first, substantially stationary receiving device for a first end of the pipeline and a second receiving device for a second end of the pipeline, wherein the second receiving device is arranged so as to be spatially freely adjustable.

Abstract: A method of forming a slip joint includes providing a forming mandrel having a plurality of axially extending external splines, placing an inner tube circumferentially about the mandrel, and applying radially inward pressure on the inner tube to deform the inner tube and cause it to conform to the shape of the mandrel. The deformation step forms splines on the outer surface of the inner tube. A circumferential seal is then applied around the inner tube, and an outer tube is placed around the inner tube and the seal. Radially inward pressure is applied on the outer tube to deform the outer tube and cause it to conform to the shape of the inner tube, and thereby forming splines on the inner surface of the outer tube. The splines on the outer surface of the inner tube and the splines on the inner surface of the outer tube are configured to cooperate together to form a slip joint.

Abstract: A conjoining apparatus using electromagnetic forming includes a field shaper for concentrating a magnetic field to a conjoining working object, a coil for generating and applying the magnetic field to the field shaper such that the field shaper can form a reactive force, and a charging circuit for supplying electricity to the coil. An auxiliary ring having higher conductivity than steel is disposed between the field shaper and the working object for generating an induced magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for electromagnetically forming a metallic member includes deforming an end of a metallic member by electromagnetic forming, pressing the outer surface of the deformed end on the surface of a mold to form a flange having a predetermined shape at the end of the metallic member and, at the same time, work-harden the flange. The method is capable of forming a flange having a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of another member to be joined to the metallic member at an end of the metallic member with high dimensional accuracy and shape accuracy and secured joint strength.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for strengthening tubular members and attaching components to the tubular member using a hydroforming process. In one embodiment, the outer tube has a non-circular inner surface and the inner tube has an outer surface with a shape different than the non-circular inner surface. In another embodiment, the outer tube has an outer edge with a portion that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube. The outer edge prevents relative rotation between the tubes. The inner tube has a higher Young's modulus so that once the high pressure is removed the hydroforming process the inner tube will not contract as much as the outer tube.

Abstract: A rivet gun system includes a rivet gun frame having two ends. A die is coupled to one end, and a force sensor coupled to the rivet gun frame. The force sensor detects force applied to the die and generates a force signal in response to the force. A holding coil defines a channel within the rivet gun frame and generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. The channel includes an end defined by an end stop and an end defined by the die. A main coil further defines the channel between the holding coil and the die. The main coil also generates an electromagnetic force along the channel. A plunger slides through the channel in response to the electromagnetic forces. A force sensor electronics controller receives the force signal from the force sensor and activates the holding coil and the main coil in response to the force signal above an activation threshold.

Abstract: An isostatic press and the process of using same is disclosed and claimed. The isostatic press includes a yoke; a bottom cover affixed to the yoke; a top cover affixed to the yoke; and, a body moveable between a first position and a second position. A process for isostatically pressing a workpiece in the isostatic press is also disclosed and claimed. The process includes the steps of: placing the workpiece on the bottom cover; moving the body from the first position to the second position; pressurizing the chamber; depressurizing the chamber; removing the workpiece; and, moving the chamber from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A hydro-forming method for an aluminum alloy is provided which comprises: loading a tube component made of an aluminum alloy on a die of a hydro-forming apparatus; bringing a first die and a second die together in a state in which the tube component is loaded, and sealing and axially compressing the tube component by operation of a hydraulic cylinder disposed on each side of the tube component; heating the tube component to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range; forming the tube component along forming surfaces formed on the first die and the second die by providing an axial compressing force of the hydraulic cylinders and supplying hydraulic pressure into the tube component, when the tube component is heated to the predetermined temperature; and taking the formed tube component out of the first and second dies, and cooling the tube component.

Abstract: A large dimension hollow body such as a fuel tank is formed from cold deformable sheet metal by cutting a sheet metal blank of a conformation matching the hollow structure to be formed and which has a nonuniform cross section between its ends. The sheet metal blank is then formed into a three-dimensional shape closed at one end and subjected to hydrostatic forming, whereupon the other end is closed optionally after insertion of an object to be received in the tank such as a fuel pump. The welding of the edges of the blank together and the application of the caps can produce pressure-tight weld seams and can be effected by laser-beam welding or tungsten inert gas welding.

Abstract: A preventive maintenance method and apparatus for a structural member in a reactor pressure vessel according to the present invention reduce a tensile residual stress on a surface of the structural member by impinging a water jet from a nozzle onto a plane surface of a deflector to thereby change direction of flow of the water jet, and impinging the water jet after being deflected onto the surface of the structural member. This method and apparatus are applicable to a narrow space portion, and can improve a residual stress on the surface of the structural member and can also prevent damage such as stress corrosion cracking.