Abstract: A method for cold forming a flattened, end-threaded rod into a U-bolt answers the need for high-strength steel rods that can be bent into flattened U-bolts by spring and suspension repair facilities or the like. By controlling the amount of work put into the end-threaded flattened rod during bending, it is possible to manufacture a flattened, end-threaded rod from a high-strength steel that can be successfully cold bent into a U-bolt. The amount or degree of flattening and the radius of the U-bolt are variables which applicant controls to successfully cold bend a high-strength steel flattened rod into a U-bolt. Therefore, the spring and suspension repair facility avoids the need to heat the flattened rods for warm forming and, instead, can maintain an inventory of end-threaded and flattened rods for cold forming into flattened U-bolt comply with OEM designs when modifying or repairing vehicles.

Abstract: A method of making high-strength steel structural members is disclosed by providing a flat-rolled blank of high-strength steel having a ferrite-pearlite microstructure and high-strength mechanical properties and cold forming the blank by rolling or the like to provide a structural member having a desired geometric cross-section while the mechanical strength of the structural member remains substantially the same or greater than the flat-rolled blank.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process and a sterilization process using such an indicator are described. The indicator includes a container for holding a number of viable microorganisms and a quantity of nutrient medium; a separation member that prevents the nutrient medium from contacting the microorganisms; a penetration member that penetrates the separation member to allow the nutrient medium to contact the microorganisms and a cap, coupled to the penetration member, to seal the microorganisms and nutrient medium within the container.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator for testing the effectiveness of a sterilization process and a sterilization process using such an indicator are described.