Abstract: A method of dampening fluid-borne noise in an automotive power steering system in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates provision of a power steering fluid hose having a laminated inner tube surrounded by a reinforcing outer tube. The inner tube has a resilient inner layer with a radial thickness T1 and a resilient outer layer with a radial thickness T2. The inner layer is softer than the outer layer and is bonded by vulcanization to the outer layer. The radial thicknesses T1 and T2 have a ratio selected to dampen fluid-borne noise within a preselected frequency range by elastic expansion of the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel rail for use in a fuel delivery system, such as for an engine in a vehicle, includes the initial hydroforming step to deform a central portion of a workpiece to have one or more outwardly extending node portions, followed by a subsequent hydroforming step to deform one or more end portions of the workpiece to have additional outwardly extending node portions. To do this, a pair of pressure feed pistons are disposed within the interior of the workpiece and have head portions that sealingly engage the inner surface of the workpiece so as to define a pressure chamber therein. Pressurized fluid is introduced into the pressure chamber so as to deform a portion thereof into conformance with the portion of the die cavity located within the pressure chamber. Then, the pressure feed pistons are moved to re-define the pressure chamber within the workpiece. Pressurized fluid is again introduced into the enlarged pressure chamber so as to deform other portions of the workpiece.

Abstract: A pressure fluid conduit coupling fitting and method of making same, wherein the nipple tube fitting shank is made of specially grooved rigid material. A conventional elastomeric hose conduit having an open end telescopically receives the grooved fitting shank, and a conventional crimp-collar is sleeved over and shrunk-deformed onto the hose open end to permanently sealably secure the coupled conduit connection. An external circumferential surface of the fitting shank has one or more circumferentially continuous sharp edge external grooves of a shallow depth and predetermined width that are defined by the shank ribs formed between the grooves. The junction of the groove sidewalls with the respectively adjacent shank rib surface defines a circumferentially continuous sharp edge formed generally as a 90° junction of these groove sidewalls and rib surface, plus or minus a few degrees.

Abstract: A quick connect tube coupling assembly includes a tubular seal member, in the form of a tubular member with an elastomer molded thereon is suitably fixed in the stepped socket bore of a tube receiving socket member, this seal member, in effect, providing the effect of two O-rings, a spacer, retainer and end seal; and a spring retainer is fixed to the socket member whereby this coupling body assembly is adapted to telescopically receive a plug tube having axially spaced apart radial upstanding annular inboard and outboard beads thereon, one of which is adapted to be engaged by the spring retainer. A tubular spring release member is positioned to encircle the tube loosely between the beads whereby the tube can be un-coupled, when desired, by moving this release member axially in a direction toward the inboard bead so as to cause the spring member to flux radially outward of the inboard bead whereby the plug tube can be removed manually from the socket member.

Abstract: A quick connect tube coupling assembly includes a tube end assembly axially insertable into a coupling body assembly, the latter including a body member provided with a stepped bore therein to receive an elastomeric oil seal, a radially flanged retainer seat, a split ring retainer and a hollow tube nut threadingly received in the body member. The tube end assembly includes a straight walled tube having a lead-in chamfer at its free end and which is provided on its outer peripheral surface with a retainer receiving groove and with an axially spaced apart groove receiving a dust seal ring which is located so as to be wedged against an outwardly flared camming ramp wall at the outboard end of the tube nut during assembly of the tube end assembly into the coupling body assembly.