Abstract: A method is provided for forming a complexly-shaped tubular structure such as a tapered pillar or other structure for a vehicle body. A sheet metal blank having a longitudinal axis is rolled about the longitudinal axis to form a tubular shape and the side edges of the blank are then welded together to form a tube. The tube is then enclosed in a hydroforming die and pressurized to conform the tube to the shape of the die and thereby form the desired complex shape. The sheet metal blank may be formed by the end-to-end welding together of a plurality of separate sheet metal blanks that differ from one another in characteristic including material thickness, material alloy composition, and/or coating. One or more of the blanks can have side edges that are non-parallel so that the tube will taper in diameter along its length.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus in a printing device having a printhead displaceable along a record carrier. The record carrier is supported beneath the printhead by a platen. The improved apparatus includes a mechanism for spacing the printing distance between the printhead and the record carrier. The spacing mechanism is positioned to bear upon the record carrier in advance of the printhead. A mechanism urges the platen away from the printhead and the spacing mechanism so as to permit a ribbon mechanism to be inserted between the printhead and the platen.

Abstract: A printer frame assembly having snap-together parts includes a base member, two side frame members, resilient cushions and an impact platen. The base member has locating receptacles to position the side frame members and interlocking flexure latches to snap-lock with corresponding locking surfaces located on the two side frame members. The interlocking flexure latches provide a bias to align the side frame members in a front-to-back direction and lateral alignment channels to prevent lateral displacement. The resilient cushions are positioned between the bottoms of the side frame members and the base member to urge the interlocking flexure latches and locking surfaces into secure engagement and to eliminate any clearances between the side frame members and the base member. The impact platen serves as a structural member of the frame and is positioned intermediate the two side frame members.

Abstract: The mounting arrangement permits the mounting of a face mounted electric motor in right-angular relationship on a support frame member without requiring the use of separate fasteners, such as screws and the like, and is of particular value when mounting of the motor by robotic techniques. The motor is provided with a mounting flange having a pair of diametrically opposed outwardly extending mounting ears with mounting openings provided therein. A pair of motor support members is provided on the support frame and includes semi-spherical cam projections which are aligned with the openings in the mounting flange when the mounting face of the motor is positioned against the support frame and rotated until the semi-spherical cam projections snap into position in the openings in the mounting ears.