Abstract: An apparatus for connecting stacked thin plates 4, 5 (in particular sheet-metal plates) or plate sections, according to which stacked flat parts 10, 11 of both plates are first deep drawn together with one another, after which the bottom area of the deep-drawn flat parts is swaged wider, and wherein the radial expansion of the bottom area of these deep-drawn flat parts is limited, as a result of which a plastic deformation of the material of the plate takes place, particularly in the peripheral area, so that a connection point is created. By means of a crimp 17 present in the peripheral area of the bottom 16 of the blind opening 3 of the die 2, the swaged material flows into itself at the points that are to be connected, and hence the clinching strength, is improved.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fastening thin plates (4, 5) overlying one another, via a fastening element formed from the material, which element is obtained by partial stamping separation and/or deforming of plate areas (10, 11) out of the plate plane via a male die (1, 21, 26) and a female die (2, 3, 23 and 31, 32) with subsequent compressing of the plate areas, wherein the plate areas (10, 11) that as the fastening element grip the stamping or deforming hole from behind are leveled into the plate plane, so that after the machining, on the outer surface of the plates that have been fastened together, no nubs remain that are noticeable from the outside.

Abstract: A method for joining stacked thin plates (metal sheets in particular) or plate sections by stamping dies, and an apparatus for performing the method, in which stacked plate portions are severed by stamping them along a longitudinal portion of their peripheries and pressed them out of the plane of the plate, and in which subsequently, by means of a counterpressure die element, the plate portion nearer the plates is enlarged on the cut sides by swaging, yet without the plate portion remote from the plates being enlarged. Further, during the stamping and pressing operation the counterpressure die element, or the swaging die, remains stationary inside the bottom die 2, but subsequently, during the coining operation that generates higher pressing forces, the yields counter to an elastic supporting force, whereupon the flowing material of the plate piece nearer the plates forms flange portions which grip the plate associated with it from behind.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing the method, for connecting stacked thin plates 4, 5 (in particular sheet-metal plates) or plate sections, according to which stacked flat parts 10, 11 of both plates are first deep drawn together with one another, after which the bottom area of the deep-drawn flat parts is swaged wider, and wherein the radial expansion of the bottom area of these deep-drawn flat parts is limited, as a result of which a plastic deformation of the material of the plate takes place, particularly in the peripheral area, so that a connection point is created. By means of a crimp 17 present in the peripheral area of the bottom 16 of the blind opening 3 of the die 2, the swaged material flows into itself at the point that is to be connected, and hence the clinching strength, is improved.

Abstract: A device for measuring the depth and temperature of a liquid stored in a tank is provided. The device includes a hermetically sealed vertically disposed tube having ultrasonic transmitter/receiver devices at either end thereof with a reflector vertically movable in the tube and having a through-hole therein permitting transmission from one end of the tube to the other as well as reflection. A float encircles the tube and moves up and down with the level of liquid in the storage tank. The float and reflector are magnetically interconnected so that the reflector moves up and down with the float.

Abstract: A level-sensing head is suspended from a capstan above a vessel by means of a flexible link which is wound around the capstan to raise or lower that head upon rotation thereof in one direction or the other. Depending upon the position of the sensing head relative to the level of a liquid or other flowable mass in the vessel, the head causes emission of either of two control signals triggering a pulse generator to step a motor, coupled with the capstan, in a sense tending to maintain that relative level between two narrow limits. The output of the pulse generator is also fed to recording equipment and/or to a digital comparator designed to establish a preselected level which may be modified from time to time by a programmer. The flexible link may serve as an electrical or fluidic transmission channel for control signals originating at the sensing head; with a floating sensing head such control signals can also be generated by a torsion monitor inserted between the motor shaft and the capstan.