Abstract: A die assembly having die structures that are cooperable to define a die cavity into which a metallic tubular blank can be disposed. A first die structure is moveable to seal the die cavity, and after the die cavity is sealed, the first and second die structures are moveable to reduce the cross-sectional area of the die cavity and thereby deform the metallic tubular blank within the die cavity.

Abstract: A method of hydroforming an angled tubular part comprising disposing an angled metal tubular blank within a generally correspondingly angled die cavity, the tubular blank having an exterior surface, wherein at an angled portion of the tubular blank, the exterior surface has a concave surface portion and a convex surface portion on generally opposite sides of the tubular blank, sealing opposite ends of the tubular blank, providing high pressure fluid to an interior of the tubular blank, expanding the blank into conformity with surfaces defining the die cavity as a result of said providing.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a pair of spaced side frame members, a front cross frame member and a rear cross frame member. The front cross frame member is connected with front ends of the side frame members. The rear cross frame member extends between rear ends of the side frame members. The frame members are formed from tubular metal blanks by a hydroforming process in which each blank has fluid pressure provided internally thereto and thereby radially expanded so that the frame members have a peripheral configuration modified with respect to an original peripheral configuration of the associated blanks.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a pair of spaced side frame members, a front cross frame member and a rear cross frame member. The front cross frame member is connected with front ends of the side frame members. The rear cross frame member extends between rear ends of the side frame members. The frame members are formed from tubular metal blanks by a hydroforming process in which each blank has fluid pressure provided internally thereto and thereby radially expanded so that the frame members have a peripheral configuration modified with respect to an original peripheral configuration of the associated blanks.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a motor vehicle and method of manufacturing the same. The method includes the steps of: forming a rearward frame module, forming a forward frame module, and forming a central frame module including a pair of longitudinal central frame siderails.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a motor vehicle and method of manufacturing the same. The method comprises the steps of: forming a rearward frame module, forming a forward frame module, and forming a central frame module comprising a pair of longitudinal central frame siderails.

Abstract: A rail frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a rearward frame module having a pair of generally parallel rearward frame rail members interconnected by a rearward cross-member assembly. A central frame module includes a pair of generally parallel central frame rail members interconnected by a central cross-member assembly, the central frame members each having a generally U-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration including a vertical base wall portion and a pair of outwardly extending generally parallel horizontal wall portions extending from opposite ends of the base wall portion. The U-shaped central frame members are each bent between two spaced positions thereof, and one of the horizontal wall portions extending from one end of the base wall portion has metallic grains therein substantially stretched at a location between the spaced positions.

Abstract: A rail frame assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a rearward frame module having a pair of generally parallel rearward frame rail members interconnected by a rearward cross-member assembly. A central frame module includes a pair of generally parallel central frame rail members interconnected by a central cross-member assembly, the central frame members each having a generally U-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration including a vertical base wall portion and a pair of outwardly extending generally parallel horizontal wall portions extending from opposite ends of the base wall portion. The U-shaped central frame members are each bent between two spaced positions thereof, and one of the horizontal wall portions extending from one end of the base wall portion has metallic grains therein substantially stretched at a location between the spaced positions.

Abstract: 1. An apparatus for filling sealed containers with a predetermined quantity f liquid comprising a reservoir for the filling liquid, a separator container under vacuum, a filling nozzle having three orifices, one of the orifices having a pipeline connection to the separator, a second orifice having a pipeline connection to the separator and the third orifice having a pipeline connection to the atmosphere, said pipeline connection to the reservoir having a valve therein opening to a source of pressure and means for opening said valve when the desired amount of liquid has entered the sealed container.

Abstract: An auxiliary footrest for automobiles consisting of a step rigidly affixed to the automobile body directly adjacent and to the right of the accelerator pedal, at an elevation higher than the normal elevation of the pedal, and adapted to support the right foot of the driver when it is not on the pedal, as is often necessary in cars equipped with automatic speed regulating devices. A skirt attached to the step edge adjacent the accelerator pedal and depending below said pedal may be used as a guide to direct the driver's foot to and from the footrest.