Abstract: A process for the manufacture of cooking vessels, in particular pots and/or pans and the like suitable for magnetic induction heating, is remarkably simple and comprises the steps of: providing a metallic semimanufactured vessel (A) of the cooking vessel, comprising a hollow (21) and a bottom portion (20); providing a plate member (1), in a metallic material of relatively high hardness, provided with a plurality of points (6a, 6b) projecting from a surface thereof (4) and forming an angle (&agr;) equal to or larger than 90° therewith; inducing, by compression or the plate member (1) at the bottom portion (20), the penetration of said points (6a, 6b) and the adhering of said surface (4) of said plate member (1) on said bottom portion (20).

Abstract: In this method of constructing a composite structure with an internal structure surrounded by an external structure, plural composite modules are constructed by joining, for each of the modules, a section (1) of the internal structure to a corresponding section (5) of the external structure. The modules are joined together on site in order to form the composite structure.

Abstract: A method of making solar collectors by encapsulating photovoltaic cells within a base of an elongated solar collector wherein heat and pressure are applied to the cells in-situ, after an encapsulating material has been applied. A tool is fashioned having a bladder expandable under gas pressure, filling a region of the collector where the cells are mounted. At the same time, negative pressure is applied outside of the bladder, enhancing its expansion. The bladder presses against a platen which contacts the encapsulated cells, causing outgassing of the encapsulant, while heat cures the encapsulant. After curing, the bladder is deflated and the tool may be removed from the collector and base and reflective panels put into place, if not already there, thereby allowing the solar collector to be ready for use.

Abstract: A process for assembling vehicles having an integral body includes first mounting the components and subassemblies on an assembly frame and then moving them into position relative to the body of the vehicle so that connections can be made between the vehicle body and the components and subassemblies. After the connections have been made, the integral body with the components and subassemblies attached thereto can easily be lifted off the assembly frame. The assembly frame is easily adjustable to accommodate different types of vehicle bodies and easily holds the components and subassemblies in their proper position for connection to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A method is provided for achieving predetermined thickness requirements throughout a superplastically formed structure having extreme contours. A laminate assembly of sheets of a metal capable of exhibiting superplasticity, such as titanium alloy, is formed by a combination of superplastic forming and diffusion bonding. The shapes and positioning of the sheets is selected to provide extra metal where the greatest degree of stretching is necessary, such as around the lobes of an exhaust mixer for a turbofan aircraft engine. The gauge can thus be controlled throughout the structure while avoiding weak points and undue weight.