Abstract: Exemplary articles may comprise a surface alloyed layer, a base metal comprising a steel, and a transitional layer between the surfaced alloyed layer and the base metal. The surface alloyed layer may comprise nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), silicon (Si), or combinations thereof. Exemplary methods of making an article may comprise coating a portion of a sand mold with a metal slurry, pouring a molten steel alloy onto the sand mold, and removing the article from the sand mold.

Abstract: A method for semi-automated development data management for control devices includes saving a development data model in a central data store comprising a plurality of mutually related configuration data units, wherein the configuration data units each store control commands and/or configuration parameters. The method further includes providing a ruleset and identifying an initial configuration data unit, wherein it is possible, using the ruleset, to identify further configuration data units automatically on a basis of a relationship thereof with the initial configuration data unit. In addition, the method includes applying the provided ruleset to the development data model in order to identify a subset of configuration data units within the development data model and saving the identified subset.

Abstract: A method for semi-automated development data management for control devices includes saving a development data model in a central data store comprising a plurality of mutually related configuration data units, wherein the configuration data units each store control commands and/or configuration parameters. The method further includes providing a ruleset and identifying an initial configuration data unit, wherein it is possible, using the ruleset, to identify further configuration data units automatically on a basis of a relationship thereof with the initial configuration data unit. In addition, the method includes applying the provided ruleset to the development data model in order to identify a subset of configuration data units within the development data model and saving the identified subset.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus includes a support structure with an alignment element and a plurality of retainers movably attached to the support structure and radially arranged about an axis of the crimping apparatus. Each retainer includes an engagement structure. The crimping apparatus further includes a plurality of crimping members with an engagement element. Each engagement element is configured to interact with the engagement structure of a respective one of the plurality of retainers to removably connect each of the crimping members to a respective one of the plurality of retainers. The crimping apparatus further includes a tool configured to simultaneously support the plurality of crimping members. The tool includes an alignment structure configured to interact with the alignment element of the support structure to provide substantial radial alignment between the engagement element of each of the crimping members and the corresponding engagement structure of the respective retainers.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus is provided for use with a crimping machine. The crimping apparatus comprises a support structure including a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is configured to engage the first portion to define an axial passage into an interior area of the crimping apparatus. The second portion is configured to be moved completely out of engagement with the first portion to selectively define an alternative passage into the interior area of the crimping apparatus.

Abstract: Crimping apparatus are provided for use with a crimping machine. The crimping apparatus includes a support structure and a plurality of retainers movably attached to the support structure and radially arranged about an axis of the crimping apparatus. Each retainer includes an engagement structure configured to removably connect a crimping member to the retainer. The crimping apparatus is configured to be removably positioned with respect to a crimping machine while the retainers remain movably attached to the support structure. Methods of crimping with a crimping machine and a crimping apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A crimp machine includes a linear mover that forces a ram plate assembly toward a base plate to radially contract an insert. The insert has an inner surface defining an interior dimension that mates with a fitting and crimps the fitting onto a flexible hose as the insert is radially contracted. To adjust for fittings of differing dimensions, a plurality of inserts of varying inside dimensions may be used. To make the crimp machine adjustable for a wide range of fitting dimensions, a plurality of adapter rings of differing inner diameters may be employed. Each adapter ring is removably interposed within a base plate aperture and has a differing inner surface for mating with an insert of desired proportions.