Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of tubes bent in a U-shape (hairpin tubes) from a nonferrous metal, immediately following a tube production line. For that purpose, according to the invention, the method for the manufacture of tubes bent in a U-shape from a nonferrous metal, immediately following a tube production line, has the consecutive steps of: a) uncoiling the drawn tube material from a basket winder, b) straightening the drawn tube material, c) annealing and subsequently cooling the drawn tube material before or after cutting, for separation into tube portions, to the starting length for a tube bent in a U-shape, and d) bending the tube portions into a U-shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a heat exchanger tube, comprising a copper alloy, which contains the alloying elements [in percent by weight] 0.05-3% Fe, 0.01-0.15% P, and optionally 0.05-0.2% Zn, 0.02-0.05% Sn and residual Cu as well as unavoidable impurities, as a gas-cooler, condenser or evaporator tube of a refrigerator or heat pump operating with CO2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of tubes bent in a U-shape (hairpin tubes) from a nonferrous metal, immediately following a tube production line. For that purpose, according to the invention a method for the manufacture of tubes bent in a U-shape from a nonferrous metal, immediately following a tube production line, has the consecutive steps of: a) uncoiling the drawn tube material from a basket winder, b) straightening the drawn tube material, c) annealing and subsequently cooling the drawn tube material before or after cutting, for separation into tube portions, to the starting length for a tube bent in a U-shape, d) bending the tube portions into a U-shape. The invention also relates to a production line for the manufacture of tubes bent in a U-shape.

Abstract: The present invention is a 2-step molding process and a 1-step molding process that can be used to form a boot and/or tonneau cover for use in covering a convertible roof and/or a stowage compartment in an automotive vehicle. In the 1-step molding process, the boot and/or tonneau cover are formed by positioning the substrate material and other material layer(s) adjacent one another and forming the boot and/or tonneau cover in a mold in a single molding step. In a 2-step molding process, the substrate for the boot and/or tonneau cover is first formed in a mold. The formed substrate is then positioned adjacent material layer(s) and the formed substrate and material layer(s) are bound together within the same or a different mold in a subsequent molding step.

Abstract: The invention is a method of patterning the air bearing surface of a ceramic slider preferably including alumina and titanium carbide. The method includes the steps of forming an etch pattern by depositing and developing a photoresist on the ceramic slider, and reactive ion etching the slider air bearing surface using an etchant gas of argon, sulfur hexafluoride, and methyltrifluoride flowing at a rate which provides a smooth patterned surface on the slider air bearing surface.

Abstract: A process is described for the modification of the outermost atomic layer of a substrate, such as a carbon layer having hydrogen atoms bonded at the surface, in a plasma chamber to covalently bond carbon-flourine groups such as CF.sub.3 groups to carbon atoms in the surface. After establishing a plasma process in which both etching and deposition are ocurring, a fluorinated gas is injected into the chamber to allow CF.sub.3 groups to bond to the surface. The process does not apply of a layer with a defined thickness, but rather conditions the surface for desired properties of high affinity for lubricants and low affinity for contaminants. The invention is particularly useful for heads and disks for use in magnetic recording.