Abstract: The apparatus (50) includes a friction stir welding tool (100), a local clamping means (200), and an interface (300) that joins the tool (100) and the local clamping means (200). The local clamping means (200) is in close proximity to the at least one sidewall (130) of the tool (100) and has a housing (210) and a plurality of contact devices (220). The local clamping means (200) transfers a clamping force to the first and the second components (C1, C2) and holds them firmly in place during welding. The local clamping means (200) includes a plurality of contact devices (220) that may take the form of casters, rollers (222), and ball bearings (224). The location of the contact devices (220) is significant as external clamping is greatly reduced, and often eliminated, as the contact devices (220) are brought into close proximity to the area of the weld.

Abstract: An externally releasable security bar system for mounting on an inside surface of an inwardly swinging door and engaging a floor surface to prevent unauthorized entry through the door is provided. The system may include a mounting plate, a bracing arm, a release pin, an actuation mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The bracing arm has a secured position in which a distal end of the bracing arm is in contact with the floor surface, and an unsecured position in which the distal end is elevated from the floor surface. The actuation mechanism transfers the release pin to an engaged position, which causes the bracing arm to pivot to the unsecured position to allow unimpeded entry through the door. The locking mechanism is provided to allow for selective operation of the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A method of friction stir welding and a non-consumable multi-section faced retractable shoulderless variable penetration friction stir welding tool. The tool includes a substantially cylindrical body portion, a head portion, and a tip section, each integral to the tool. The body portion has a longitudinal axis about which it is rotable, a diameter, a sidewall substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The head portion is located at the distal end of the body portion. The head portion includes a multi-section face, having a first face section and a second face section, that converges to the tip section. The tool is retractable, reduces overheating, improves weld quality by reducing internal voids and lack of fusion, and facilitates variable penetration welds.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a net playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a metallic tube, an upper protective collar, a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The metallic tube is extendable and retractable from the composite tube and may be made of a light-weight, rigid metal. The protective collars may protect the composite tube substantially preventing damage to the reinforcing fibers during installation and setup. The locking tool locks the metallic tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: A golf club with a shaft and an asymmetrical head, wherein said head has a gravitational center which is further from a trailing edge than said striking face and is disposed on a vertical plane which includes said grip axis.

Abstract: A method of friction stir welding and a non-consumable retractable shoulderless variable penetration friction stir welding tool. The tool includes a substantially cylindrical body portion, a head portion, and a tip section, each integral to the tool. The body portion has a longitudinal axis about which it is rotable, a diameter, a sidewall substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The head portion is located at the distal end of the body portion. The head portion has a base with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the body portion thereby forming a smooth transition between the body portion and the head portion, thus the tool has no shoulder. The head portion includes a face that converges to the tip section. The tool is retractable, reduces overheating, improves weld quality by reducing internal voids and lack of fusion, and facilitates variable penetration welds.

Abstract: An opposed current flow magnetic pulse forming and joining system in electrical communication with a magnetic pulse power supply having a positive connection and a negative connection. The system may be used in forming individual workpieces or joining multiple workpieces, including joining by magnetic pulse welding. The system includes a first section, a second section, an insulator, and a first and a second pair of conductors. The first and second sections cooperate to enclose the workpiece(s) and function to create an electromagnetic force similar to that produced by a single closed coil. The system is configured to achieve desirable current flow by minimizing inductance, inductive reactance, and impedance in the conductors. The pairs of conductors may incorporate closely spaced individual conductors, braided conductors, and coaxial conductors. The current flow in the individual conductors of each pair of conductors is opposed, as is the current flow through the sections.

Abstract: A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Hibiscus, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Jodi,’ characterized by three color irregular variegation (Dark green, light green, and golden yellow); a large, pure white flower; a longer blooming duration; two additional seasons of ornamental qualities because of variegated leaves; and triploid (sterile) genetic character.