Abstract: A method of forming a bonded assembly (10). The method comprises: providing at least first and second parts (12, 14) of an assembly (10) to be bonded; assembling the first and second parts (12, 14) in a required relative position to define a bond interface region therebetween; sealing part way along an edge (18) of the bond interface region using laser beam welding to define a cavity between the first and second parts (12, 14); in a vacuum environment, sealing the remainder of the edge (20) of the bond interface region using electron beam welding to form a fluid tight seal around the cavity; and applying heat and pressure to an external surface of the cavity to diffusion bond the first and second parts (12, 14) together.

Abstract: A method of forming a bonded assembly (10). The method comprises: providing at least first and second parts (12, 14) of an assembly (10) to be bonded; assembling the first and second parts (12, 14) in a required relative position to define a bond interface region therebetween; sealing part way along an edge (18) of the bond interface region using laser beam welding to define a cavity between the first and second parts (12, 14); in a vacuum environment, sealing the remainder of the edge (20) of the bond interface region using electron beam welding to form a fluid tight seal around the cavity; and applying heat and pressure to an external surface of the cavity to diffusion bond the first and second parts (12, 14) together.

Abstract: A torso and pelvic stretching apparatus comprising first and second or left and right fulcrums, a bolt, and a retaining device is disclosed. The retaining device holds the left and right fulcrums to the bolt and allows the left and right fulcrums to be removed from the bolt. The left and right fulcrums are adjustable with respect to the bolt so that the torso and pelvic stretching apparatus can be placed in a plurality of configurations. The retaining device may be comprised of a left spacer tube, a left elastic sleeve, a central tube, a right elastic sleeve, a right spacer tube, and left and right end pieces. The left end piece may be fixed to the bolt and the right end piece may be capable of being attached and detached from the bolt. The left and right elastic sleeves may be made of rubber and may be used to hold the left and right fulcrums, in one embodiment, to the bolt.