Abstract: A reliable, rotating, illuminated advertising display unit that utilizes independent display modules housing lights and advertising material. These are easily removed from the base unit for shipping, assembly, and replacement. Optionally, AMLCD, plasma, or similar flat-panel displays may be used in the display modules. The display modules surround a hollow central compartment that may be used for storing, collecting, or displaying products such as food or beverages, or as a trash container. Power is transmitted from the base via a slip ring to the lighting contained in the display modules so as to display advertising or similar matter. The rotational capability is provided via a motor, a gearing arrangement, a central tapered roller bearing, and rollers. The unit's power is provided by AC power when available, or by utilizing a fuel cell, e.g., a proton exchange membrane (PEM), methanol solid oxide, photovoltaic cells, battery, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A pressure vessel or pressurizable canister has a hollow, thin-walled, cylindrical metal shell or tube. Two end caps are hermetically sealed to the respective distal ends of the metal shell by the process of magnetic pulse welding that requires no external heat. The two end caps are made of a metallic alloy such as aluminum. The end caps are each cylindrically shaped and have at least one circumferential recess to accommodate the metal of the shell tube as it deforms about the end caps and forms an intermolecular bond. The canister can hold a pressure of at least 1,800 psi.

Abstract: A load bearing structural joint that is fabricated using an electromagnetic process, features a tube that is joined to a fitting of another component. Lightweight materials and thicknesses can be used, because the welding is performed without the adverse effects of annealing or heat. The fabricated structure has an improved strength to weight ratio, and prolonged fatigue life.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating uniform splices for stranded cables. A joint for a stranded cable can be formed by inserting the ends of two cables into an electrically conductive splice band which, in turn, is inserted into a coil or inductor. The splice is fabricated by a process known as magnetic pulse forming, or magnetic pulse welding wherein a very large electrical current of short duration is directed through the coil or inductor from a charged capacitor bank. The resulting magnetic field in the coil or inductor induces a magnetic field on the splice band, compressing the splice band uniformly around the circumference of the two cable ends being spliced. In the case of magnetic pulse welding, the splice not only uniformly compresses the stranded cables, but a weld is also created between the inner diameter of the sleeve and the adjacent stranded cables.

Abstract: A process for joining high strength metal components by electromagnetic forming techniques. One of the metal components carries high loads or is subjected to combined stresses and strains, thus requiring that it be relatively strong and ductile. EMF or MPW processes are used to join the components, the strength of which is temporarily diminished prior to the joining step. The high strength material is subjected to a retrogressive heating and quenching process along a joined boundary thereof; then electromagnetically joined; and thereafter, the strength of the diminished material is restored to its higher temper and strength.

Abstract: An apparatus has a single workstation for joining high strength metal components by electromagnetic forming techniques. One of the metal components carries high loads or is subjected to combined stresses and strains, thus requiring that it be relatively strong and ductile. EMF or MPW processes are used to join the components, whose strength is temporarily diminished prior to the joining step. The high strength material is subjected to a retrogressive heating and quenching process along a joined boundary thereof and is then electromagnetically joined. Thereafter, the strength of the diminished material is restored to its higher temper and strength. In a first embodiment, the apparatus uses a single coil for both the heating and electromagnetic bonding of the metal. In a second embodiment, two adjacent coils are used and the material is moved along a work path between the coils.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an automotive spaceframe using Electromagnetic Pulse Forming (EMF) or Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW) techniques. The spaceframe can be either an all aluminum structure or a combination of dissimilar materials, such as aluminum and steel. The welding or forming methods can include the use of split coils or split inductors that allow for ease of access to the joints to be bonded in the spaceframe.