Abstract: A metal framing member for use in a wide variety of applications including interior and exterior walls, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as floors, ceilings and roofs of residential and commercial buildings, to name but a few. The metal framing member generally includes first and second metal components, where each of the metal components is a separate piece and includes an elongated support with a series of fingers extending therefrom. The two metal components are attached together near tips of the fingers so that an alternating sequence of fingers and spaces is formed in an intermediate area between the two supports. This sequence can result in weight, material and cost savings, reduced thermal and acoustic conductivity across the metal framing member, and trade-ready holes for passing through items such as wires, pipes, etc.

Abstract: A scraper tool for removing material such as surface treatments, metal coatings, and other material layers from an edge region of a metal work piece where they could potentially contaminate a nearby weld. According to one embodiment, the scraper tool includes a body having a base portion and a tab portion, and several scraping elements attached to the base portion. During operation, the scraping elements scrape one or more surfaces of the edge region so that the depth to which the scraping element engage the metal work piece is generally affected by the amount of rotation of the scraper tool about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal frame, such as a tractor cab frame, that can reduce scrap material, simplify the manufacturing process, improve the structural integrity of the frame, and eliminate the use of overlapping joint areas. According to one embodiment, the manufacturing method includes the steps of: blanking a number of individual metal segments, joining the individual metal segments together to form a welded blank assembly, stamping the welded blank assembly to form a stamping assembly that includes the desired perimeter, and forming the stamping assembly by bending the stamping assembly into the final shape of the three-dimensional metal frame. The resultant metal frame preferably includes at least one metal segment that is shared between adjacent sides of the structure and is bent along its length to form a smooth transitioning corner lacking overlapping joint areas.

Abstract: An air/oil separating device for removing oil that has become entrained in blow-by gases passing through a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. The air/oil separating device includes a spiral element forming a spiral passageway and a perforated tube. As the air/oil stream passes through the spiral passageway and contacts its walls, a certain amount of the entrained oil is removed or scavenged such that it collects at the bottom of the spiral passageway. The treated air stream, now having less entrained oil, passes into the perforated tube and exits at an upper axial end, while the collected oil drains back into the crankcase via a lower axial end of the perforated tube. The air/oil separating device can be incorporated within a cap assembly also having an oil-fill cap and/or a PCV valve.

Abstract: An air/oil separating device for removing oil that has become entrained in blow-by gases passing through a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. The air/oil separating device includes a spiral element forming a spiral passageway and a perforated tube. As the air/oil stream passes through the spiral passageway and contacts its walls, a certain amount of the entrained oil is removed or scavenged such that it collects at the bottom of the spiral passageway. The treated air stream, now having less entrained oil, passes into the perforated tube and exits at an upper axial end, while the collected oil drains back into the crankcase via a lower axial end of the perforated tube. The air/oil separating device can be incorporated within a cap assembly also having an oil-fill cap and/or a PCV valve.

Abstract: A laser welded blank for use in applications calling for an engineered or tailor welded blank, such as in vehicle door panel assemblies. Two sheet metal pieces of different thicknesses are in edge-to-edge abutment such that an interface is formed therebetween, however, the mating edges are not parallel. Instead, a first segment of the interface is flush on a first side of the laser welded blank, while a second segment is flush on a second side of the blank. This arrangement permits an adjacent component, such as a rubber seal, located on one side of the laser welded blank to extend across or contact the interface at the first segment, while another component located on the other side of the blank may extend across or contact the interface at the second segment. Because both components are in flush contact with the interface, there is a reduction of air gaps, leaks, etc.

Abstract: A laser welded blank for use in applications calling for an engineered or tailor welded blank, such as in vehicle door panel assemblies. Two sheet metal pieces of different thicknesses are in edge-to-edge abutment such that an interface is formed therebetween, however, the mating edges are not parallel. Instead, a first segment of the interface is flush on a first side of the laser welded blank, while a second segment is flush on a second side of the blank. This arrangement permits an adjacent component, such as a rubber seal, located on one side of the laser welded blank to extend across or contact the interface at the first segment, while another component located on the other side of the blank may extend across or contact the interface at the second segment. Because both components are in flush contact with the interface, there is a reduction of air gaps, leaks, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gasket with a molded-in bolt retention means is herein provided. The apparatus includes a gasket carrier encased in a silicone rubber gasket, with the gasket carrier containing a series of holes. The holes in the gasket carrier are preferably in a star-shape and secure the bolt in place when the bolt is pressed through the opening. The method of assembling the gasket is also provided, the method including the steps of encasing the gasket carrier within the gasket, attaching an associated cover to the gasket, sliding the associated bolt through the various openings, and securing the bolt in place.

Abstract: A method of stamping and punching at several stations, an opening in a vehicle rood panel to provide for sunroof installation is described. A preformed recess is stamped into the top section of the panel to define a perimeter for a sunroof opening. The stamping of the preform comprises locating the roof panel in a stamping press beneath a press die where the die is aligned with the perimeter of the desired position for the sunroof opening. The preform recess is stamped in the panel where the preform is characterized by having a first bend which defines the opening perimeter and comprises rounded corner portions interconnected a front, rear and two side edges. A downwardly extending flange which becomes a sidewall of the sunroof opening is provided and has a length at least equal to the depth of a sealed portion of the sunroof panel and a second bend extending opposite to the first bend for interconnecting flange to the base portion of the recess.