Abstract: A versatile clamp which consists, at least in part, of at least one extendable arm, one fixed-length arm, pivotable clamping legs on the distal ends of the fixed-length arm and extendable arm, and locking means; wherein clamp adjustments, by the user, to the extendable arm and pivotable legs are retained by a locking action, which, prevents an inadvertent change of the extendable arm's effective length and the clamping legs' angular orientation from their set positions. The combination of a variable-length extendable arm and variable angular positioning of the legs enable a single versatile clamp to be used in a variety of clamping configurations. The versatile clamp may be easily made, without the use of any tools, to clamp onto thick and thin materials, alike, and to perform in applications which require an offset clamping operation. The versatile clamp may also feature one or more interchangeable clamping arm extensions and legs.

Abstract: A method of forming an insert for a catalytic converter includes wrapping a catalytic core with a fibrous packing, inserting the wrapped core into a mantle, and forming end portions of the mantle into converging tapered portions capable of retaining the wrapped core in place within the mantle.

Abstract: A hand held tool includes a slotted handle having a jaw end, a medial section, and a gripping end, the medial section including a slot having a gear tooth rack. An operative handle has a pinion gear end and a gripping end, with pinion gear being fixed with respect to the operative handle, and the pinion gear being positioned in the slot and having a toothed portion and a non-toothed portion. An operative jaw is slidably mounted with respect to the slotted handle to cooperate with the jaw of the slotted handle to group a workpiece, the operative jaw having one or more guide mechanisms to maintain the orientation of the jaw with respect to the slot as the jaw slides and as torque is applied to the operative jaw when a workpiece is gripped.

Abstract: A high maneuverability towcraft has a hull, a primary water-engaging device, and a towline attachment above a waterline of the hull. A towline line-of-tension extends through an effective centerline of the primary water-engaging device. The towcraft also has a castering device for providing directional stability to the towcraft which allows the towcraft to follow the lead of the primary water-engaging means. The stability of the towcraft is not negatively impacted either by any lateral force of the towline or by an instantaneous position of the towline with respect to a front of the towcraft.

Abstract: A hand held tool has a slotted handle having a jaw and at least one slot therein, the slotted handle defining a toothed rack within the slot; an operative handle having a jaw and a pinion gear, the pinion gear having at least one tooth suitably shaped to engage the toothed rack, the pinion gear being slidably movable along the slot; and, at least one post member for connecting the operative handle to the slotted handle.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of a braze preform (28) for sealing and maintaining a vacuum in an insulation vessel (10). The braze preform (28) comprises particles of a braze material that are at least partially sintered together and at least substantially free of a binder. An assembly is provided for use in a method of manufacturing a vacuum insulation vessel (10). The assembly comprises a metal jacket (12) defining an interior space (20) to be evacuated and one or more evacuation ports (24) formed through a wall of the jacket (12). The evacuation ports (24) provide an opening to the interior space (20). The sintered braze preform (28) is located adjacent to the evacuation ports (24) so as to seal the evacuation ports (24) upon the melting of the brazing material. After the interior space (20) of the jacket (12) is evacuated, the preform (28) can be melted and allowed to solidify and seal the evacuation ports (24). In this way a vacuum can be maintained in the interior space (20).

Abstract: A method for pneumatic forming of foil workpieces includes the steps of positioning a foil workpiece between a first and a second forming element, the second forming element having at least one forming cavity, moving the first and second forming elements into a clamping relationship with the foil workpiece, increasing pneumatic pressure between the first forming element and the foil workpiece to form the foil workpiece into the forming cavity, supplying a gas between the foil and the second forming element sufficient to enable the foil workpiece to move along the surface of the second forming element during the forming of the foil workpiece into the forming cavity, and removing the foil workpiece in a formed condition from between the first and second forming elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using pneumatic pressure and reduced, controlled clamping pressure to provide reliable, high speed pneumatic forming of thin foil workpieces at ambient temperatures without lubricants or cull plates. Forming elements are provided which incorporate a combination of surfaces and features which enable the reduced, controlled net clamping pressures for forming thin foil workpieces, and control of material slip during forming. Thin foil workpieces formed therewith have reduced incidence of tearing and wrinkling of the foil material. The method is capable of fast cycle times and produces minimal waste.

Abstract: Vacuum insulation panels include an insulating media made up of glass fibers having a carbonized asphalt coating thereon. When such carbon-coated glass fibers are used as fillers for metal jacketed vacuum insulation panels, the resulting panels can be used for substantially higher temperature applications. The carbon on the carbon-coated fibers can be activated to absorb any outgassing that occurs from the insulation media within the panels to help ensure satisfactory vacuum levels over time.

Abstract: A method is provided for releasing a thin foil workpiece from adherence with a resilient surface to which it adheres due to compression occurring in a forming operation. The method includes the steps of applying pneumatic pressure greater than ambient pressure between the first forming element and the workpiece while the workpiece remains held by compression. Thereafter, a second surface of a second forming element is separated from contact with the thin foil workpiece, removing compression, and rapid or shock release of the thin foil workpiece from its adherence to the resilient surface ensues. An alternative method is further provided.

Abstract: A pair of forming elements incorporate features which restrain a thin foil workpiece without requiring high or excessive clamping pressures. A retaining step is provided in the second forming element having the forming cavity. It has been found that thin foil workpieces bent over and engaged by contact with the retaining step are secured against slippage with reduced clamping pressures. Moreover, the thin foil workpieces exhibit material draw during forming without the excessive lateral pressure between clamping surfaces that causes wrinkles. Substantially wrinkle-free flanges remain in the formed article.

Abstract: A chimney baffle is positioned against a vertical refractory wall extending from a channel through which hot glass is flowing to reduce deterioration of the refractory of the vertical wall.