Abstract: A safety packing for a product to be exhibited, such as a CD packing. The safety packing comprises a housing with an opening through which the product can be inserted into and removed from the safety packing, and a locking mechanism associated with the housing for preventing removal of the product from the housing through the opening. The locking mechanism comprises a frame connected to the housing and a locking element received in the frame. The locking element is movable between a locking position where the product is prevented from being removed from the housing, and an open position toward which the locking element is biased to allow the product to be moved into and from the housing through the opening. The locking mechanism further comprises a retainer that is biased toward a retaining position and movable to a release position through application of a magnetic force, so as to release the locking element from the locking position.

Abstract: An ageing process capable of producing an aluminum alloy with better mechanical properties than possible with traditional ageing procedures. The ageing process employs a dual rate heating technique that comprises a first stage in which the aluminum alloy is heated at a first heating rate to a temperature between 100 and 170° C. and a second stage in which the aluminum alloy is heated at a second heating rate to a hold temperature of 160 to 220° C. The first heating rate is at least 100° C./hour and the second heating rate is 5 to 50° C./hour. The entire ageing process is performed in a time of 3 to 24 hours.

Abstract: A heat exchanger manifold (10) that comprises multiple members (20,22) and makes use of a simple snap-fit assembly technique to secure the members (2022) together. The manifold (10) includes first and second members (20,22), each of which comprises a rib (26) and first and second extensions (24) separated by the rib (26) and laterally extending from the rib (26). The extensions (24) of each member laterally terminate in edges (42) that abut the edges (42) of the other member. The ribs (26) of the members have complementary snap-fit means (28,30) for securing the first and second members (20,22) together. During assembly of the members (20,22), the snap-fit means (28,30) are aligned with each other and then engaged by applying a force on exterior surfaces of the manifold members (20,22), preferably opposite the ribs (26) to reduce the risk of damage to the extensions (24).

Abstract: A heat exchanger manifold (10) and method of forming a tube port (50) on the manifold (10). The manifold (10) comprises first and second walls (12,14) that define an internal passage (18) and an outer cross-sectional shape of the manifold (10). The first wall (12) of the manifold (10) has a concave outer surface in which the tube port (50) of the manifold (10) is to be formed, while the second wall (14) has a convex outer surface. The tube port (50) is formed in the concave first wall (12), such as by piercing. The shapes of the first and second walls (12,14) promote the ability of the manifold (10) to resist deformation when forming the tube port (50) in the first wall (12).

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of flat tubes for heat exchange between a first fluid flowing inside the tubes and a second fluid flowing outside the tubes. A pair of hollow headers is connected to the ends of the flat tubes. An inlet and outlet are provided in the headers for introducing the first fluid into the flat tubes and discharging it therefrom. Each header is composed of at least two parallel tubes with substantially circular cross-section, two adjacent tubes having integrated wall portions, thereby providing a substantially flat header.

Abstract: An automotive heat exchanger that includes a manifold (12) and a mounting block (10) attached to the manifold (12) and over an opening (30) in the wall of the manifold (12). The mounting block (10) has a flange portion (16) with a surface (18) that engages approximately half of the outer perimeter of the manifold (12). The block (10) also includes means (20, 24) for securing the heat exchanger to an automobile (14), and an inlet/outlet port (26) extending through the block (10) and in fluidic communication with the opening (30) in the wall of the manifold (12). Grooves (19) are preferably present in the surface (18) of the flange portion (16) of the block (10), two of which engage raised portions (23) on the perimeter of the manifold (12) in order to aid in securing the block (10) to the manifold (12). The remaining grooves (19) provide reservoirs between the block (10) and manifold (12) for braze material (21) that metallurgically bonds the block (10) to the manifold (12).