Abstract: A hybrid welding system, comprising a first welding system, wherein the first welding system includes an ultrasonic spot-welding system, and wherein the ultrasonic spot-welding system further includes at least one sonotrode for delivering ultrasonic vibration to a predetermined weld location; and a second welding system, wherein the second welding system includes a resistance spot welding system that functions simultaneously with the ultrasonic spot-welding system, and wherein the resistance spot welding system further includes at least one electrode that is configured to direct electrical current into the predetermined weld location.

Abstract: A multiple channel tube and method of making such a tube. The preferred method includes providing a plurality of wall elements that are elongated in a longitudinal direction and that that have an elongated cross-section transversely to the longitudinal direction. The wall elements have opposite lateral sides disposed on opposite ends of an elongate axis of the cross-section. The wall elements are placed between first and second sheet members, and the opposite lateral sides of the wall elements are adhered to the sheet members to provide a plurality of channels defined between the adhered wall elements and the sheet members.

Abstract: A method for repairing defects in a metallic substrate comprising the steps of placing a consumable filler slug in contact with the substrate in the vicinity of the defect; bringing a first electrode and a second electrode in contact with the consumable slug and applying a pressure to the consumable slug; and transmitting electrical current between the electrodes for a period, thereby resistively heating the consumable slug and the metallic substrate resulting in coalescence in a substantially liquid pool that fills the defect. The pool is then cooled to solidification under the pressure of the electrodes. The electrodes are then removed from contact with the consumable slug and excess material may be removed. The consumable slug may be formed as a single unit or multiple sections, and may incorporate sacrificial retainers to add additional defect filling material, retain the pool, and seal the pool from atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for repairing defects in a substrate comprising the steps of placing a consumable filler slug in contact with the substrate in the vicinity of the defect; placing at least one electrically conductive cover sheet in contact with a portion of the consumable filler slug; bringing a first electrode and a second electrode in contact with the at least one cover sheet and applying a force; and transmitting electrical current between the electrodes, thereby resistively heating the at least one cover sheet and conductively heating the consumable slug and a portion of the substrate resulting in coalescence in a substantially liquid pool that fills the defect. The pool is then cooled to solidification under pressure. Alternative embodiments eliminate the need for the conductive cover sheet(s) by utilizing electrodes having increased electrical and thermal resistance. The consumable slug may be formed as a single unit or multiple sections, and may incorporate sacrificial retainers.

Abstract: An electronic filter comprises a housing having input and output ends. The housing has a body and a connector. The connector is located at the input end of the housing. A circuit board is located within the body. A collet assembly is located within the connector to receive electrical signals and conduct them to the circuit board. The collet assembly includes an insulator, a conductor, and an elastomeric sealing member. The insulator is located within the connector. The insulator contains a generally cylindrical opening through its length. The conductor extends through the opening of the insulator. The conductor has an input end adjacent the input end of the housing and an output end adjacent the circuit board. The conductor has a hollow interior at its input end. The sealing member surrounds the insulator in compressed engagement with the insulator and the surrounding connector.

Abstract: A filter structure of inexpensive design that reliably prevents rotation of a filter housing with respect to an outer sleeve of the filter structure is disclosed. More specifically, a connector portion of an end cap of the filter structure is keyed with an opening provided in a receiving end of the outer sleeve to prevent rotation of the filter housing with respect to the outer sleeve. Keying is preferably accomplished by forming the connector portion of the end cap in the shape of a "Double-D", although other shapes may be readily employed.