Abstract: A control system for identifying and responding to effective system changes in a monitored system includes data collection, change identification, classifier construction, effective system change and parameter adjustment modules. The data collection module tracks parameters of the monitored system. The change identification module, based on the parameters, identifies: during training, performance changes and first system changes; and post training, a set of performance changes and second system changes. The classifier construction module, based on the performance changes and the first system changes construct a performance-system change classifier module. The performance-system change classifier module, based on the set of performance changes, determines possible system changes and respective probability values. The effective system change module, based on the second and possible system changes, determines effective system changes and respective probability values.

Abstract: A control system for identifying and responding to effective system changes in a monitored system includes data collection, change identification, classifier construction, effective system change and parameter adjustment modules. The data collection module tracks parameters of the monitored system. The change identification module, based on the parameters, identifies: during training, performance changes and first system changes; and post training, a set of performance changes and second system changes. The classifier construction module, based on the performance changes and the first system changes construct a performance-system change classifier module. The performance-system change classifier module, based on the set of performance changes, determines possible system changes and respective probability values. The effective system change module, based on the second and possible system changes, determines effective system changes and respective probability values.

Abstract: A method of improving the formability of a strip of sheet magnesium or other hexagonal closely packed metal is comprised of repeatedly bending, straightening and reverse bending the strip along its entire continuous length to induce plastic deformation and twinning. Twinning reduces and redistributes the grain size of the sheet material to make the sheet material more formable during subsequent metal forming operations. In practice, a coil of sheet magnesium strip is mounted on a spindle. The end of the strip is unwound from the coil and threaded through a series of offset rollers. The end of the strip is connected to a take-up spindle located down stream of the offset rollers. The strip is unwound from the storage spindle and progressively and continuously bent and reverse bent as it traverses around the offset rollers and is recoiled onto a take-up spindle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating and forming apparatus for sheet material and method for rapid heating and shaping of sheet material. The apparatus comprises a first and second respectively movable forming dies, with the first forming die having a forming surface and defining a cavity with the second forming die. The apparatus is adaptable to receive a sheet material positionable within the cavity. A heating mechanism is placed within the cavity to heat the sheet material. The forming surface of the first forming die is not substantially heated. A pressurization mechanism is in communication with the cavity to move the sheet material into conformity with the forming surface of the first die. An improvement in the process of stretch forming a sheet material into a product by using quick plastic forming (QPF) or superplastic forming (SPF) is provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of roller hemming apparatus and methods are disclosed including one wherein multiple rollers are carried on a single mount to hem a flange in a single pass, another including induction heating and air quenching means movable with a roller to anneal the flange just prior to hem forming, and another in which friction from a rotatably driven roller heats the flange to reduce bending stresses during hemming of the flange.

Abstract: Sheet metal parts having significantly strained portions, such as aluminum alloy body panels, can be formed by a sequence of steps comprising preform shape stamping, preform annealing and final shape stamping. The shape of the desired part is analyzed to identify portions of the geometry that cannot be formed in a single stamping step without exceeding the straining limit of the metal. A preform shape is determined in which a substantial amount of strain is stamped without tearing and the preform is annealed to re-soften the strained areas and a final stamping step completes development of the final part shape.

Abstract: The production of lightweight closure assemblies with a selection of materials optimized to have sufficient formability for each component of the closure assembly, while providing the necessary performance standards at a lighter weight. A mixed metal vehicle closure assembly with an inner panel and an outer panel operatively connected to one another such that they define a cavity therebetween. The closure assembly includes a unitary reinforcement panel attached to the inner and outer panels and inside the cavity therebetween. At least one of the inner, outer and unitary reinforcement panels is composed of a first type of sheet metal and at least one other of the remaining inner, outer or unitary reinforcement panel is composed of a second type of sheet metal.

Abstract: An extruded bipolar plate for a fuel cell. The bipolar plate is fabricated by an extrusion process so that the extruder die forms linear channels in the extrusion for the flow channels in the plate. A variety of different shapes can be provided for the flow channels. In one design, the flow channels for the cooling fluid extend through the center of the bipolar plates, and flow channels for the anode and cathode fluids are provided on the outside of the bipolar plate. Further, the sides of the bipolar plate can be formed with a recess to receive end caps to secure the plates together. In addition, the end cap can include flow channels to control the flow of the fluids to the plates when the fuel cell stack is assembled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming metallic composite structures The method utilizes superplastic and quickplastic formation methodologies in conjunction with the use of appended engineered metallic foams to provide a energy absorbing materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a complex composite metal structure having a metallic foam substrate. A sheet metal structure is provided having a metallic foam precursor formed of metallic particles and foaming agents. The sheet metal structure is formed using quick plastic or superplastic formation processes. After or during the formation of the metal, the temperature of the metallic precursor is raised to a point that the foaming agent produces a metallic foam.

Abstract: The present invention is an Achilles tendon brace which comprises: a wrap holding a multidimensional compressive pad; an anatomically proportioned strapping system; and hook and loop fasteners such as available under the trademark Velcro. The compressive pad contains a raised portion which lays above and perpendicular to the Achilles tendon, providing a compressive conuterforce, relieving strain and dispersing pressure normally transmitted through the tendon. The pad conforms to each individual's Achilles tendon with continued use, providing a customized unit providing multidimensional support and compression of the tendon. The strapping system employs straps which are proportioned to match the contours of the Achilles tendon area of the leg, permitting full range of motion of the ankle and foot. The strapping system permits the wrap to be placed snugly around the Achilles tendon, and, in conjunction with the hook and loop fasteners (e.g.