Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-wall catalytic converter wherein the catalytic canister and the heat shield surrounding the catalytic canister are one integral piece. The method of forming the dual wall catalytic converter includes having two tubes of different diameters, placing one tube inside another and subjecting them to a hydroforming process. The tubes are then hydroformed into the converter geometry having an outer housing and an inner housing. In order to seal the outer housing to the inner housing the end portions of the outer housing are pressed against the surface of the inner housing. The catalytic substrate is added by cutting a portion of the inner housing and the outer housing such that the hollow interior of the inner housing is exposed. The catalytic substrate is then inserted inside and the end portions are welded back to obtain the dual-wall catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a brake rotor to enhance the brake rotor's durability is disclosed. The method includes, positioning the brake rotor adjacent a laser light source, wherein the laser light source produces a laser beam, projecting the laser beam onto a surface of the brake rotor, directing a processing gas toward the surface of the rotor adjacent the laser beam, rotating the rotor at a predefined rotational speed, and repeating the above steps until an entire surface of the rotor is treated with the laser beam.

Abstract: A method 30 for making a relatively low profile catalytic converter assembly 10 which is selectively deployed upon a vehicle 14. The catalytic converter assembly 10 is formed from a generally hollow tube or member 34 which is selectively expanded within a die 31. The expanded member 34 receives a pair of catalytic substrate members 54, 56, thereby forming a low profile catalytic converter assembly 10.

Abstract: A method for making a relatively low profile catalytic converter canister 72, 80, 153 which is selectively and operatively deployed upon a vehicle 14 and which may be selectively used to form a catalytic converter assembly.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar apparatus for use in a suspension of a motor vehicle includes a hollow tubular member (22) having first and second arms (24,26) disposed at opposite ends of a center section (28). The center section is adapted to be rotatably attached to a chassis and the first and second arms are adapted to attach to first and second wheel suspensions, respectively. A first radial protrusion (38) is circumferentially formed on an outer surface of the hollow tubular member and extends radially outward from the outer surface to a first predetermined height sufficient to retain the stabilizer bar under lateral loading. Additionally, a stress dispersing formation is (46) formed on an inner surface of the hollow tubular member opposite the first radial protrusion so as to disperse stress that would otherwise concentrate in the hollow tubular member adjacent to the first radial protrusion.