Abstract: A method of assembling end caps (14, 16) within a body (12) is provided. The body (12) is measured to obtain a body measurement and the end cap (14, 16) is sized based on the body measurement. The sized end cap (14, 16) is coupled to the body (12). An end cap size (10, 170) for sizing end caps (14, 16) to mate with a body (12) is also provided. The end cap size (10, 170) includes a device (23, 171) that is movable between a position to receive one of an end cap (14, 16) and a body (12) and another position to engage the one of the end cap (14, 16) and body (12). The end cap size (10, 170) also includes a control system (25, 173) configured to move the device (23, 171) to a body measurement position to obtain a body measurement of the body (12) and move the device (23, 171) to a position to size the end cap (14, 16) based on the body measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing and cooking corn dogs (batter-coated wieners on a stick) which has a receiving bin, a loading apparatus, and a collecting and aligning system for arranging the wieners to receive sticks that form a handle for the finished product. The sticks are inserted into the wieners, and the stick impaled wieners are moved through a coating bin where batter is applied. They then progress to a fry tank containing hot grease where they are cooked. Preliminary heaters are positioned near the loading device and the collection and aligning system to bring the temperatures of the wieners up to around 80° Fahrenheit prior to insertion of the sticks, application of the batter, and introduction to the fryer. The method for utilizing the apparatus is included and enables the product to achieve faster cooking times and higher production by applying heat at at least two locations to the wieners as they move toward the fry tank for cooking.

Abstract: An exhaust processor is provided having an exhaust processor body, first, and second end caps. The exhaust processor body includes an outer shell and a substrate positioned to lie within the outer shell. The outer shell includes an outer surface facing away from the substrate, an inner surface facing toward the substrate, spaced apart first and second ends. The inner surface of the outer shell defines a first end cap region at the first end, a second end cap region at the second end, and an inner surface side. The first end cap is positioned to lie in the first end cap region, and the second end cap is positioned to lie in the second end cap region. Each of the first and second end caps include a crimpable flange that is sizable to include a size substantially equal to the inner surface size of the inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: A tube-to-plate connection includes a plate defining an aperture where the tube is to be attached to the plate, the portion of the plate surrounding the aperture including a flange extending away from the plane of the plate and providing, at its distal extent, a lip which projects radially inwardly toward the axis of the aperture. The end of the tube lies generally against the lip to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally further through the plate. The flange includes an opening for receiving a radially deformed portion of the tube side wall adjacent the end of the tube to prevent rotation of the tube in the plate. The flange and tube end include portions adjacent the lip which are flared to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally out of engagement with the plate.

Abstract: A tube-to-plate connection includes a plate defining an aperture where the tube is to be attached to the plate. The portion of the plate surrounding the aperture includes a plurality of fingers extending away from the plane of the plate and projecting radially inwardly toward the axis of the aperture. The end of the tube lies generally against the radially inward projections of the fingers to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally further through the plate. The tube side wall includes a radially deformed portion adjacent each finger to prevent rotation of the tube in the plate. The fingers and the tube end include portions adjacent the radially inward projections of the fingers which are flared radially outward to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally out of engagement with the plate.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling the operation of a dual platen press used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel pellets is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of indicating the displacements of both platens and imposing the displacements of the platens on orthogonal axes such that the displacements jointly control the motion of a point which traces a lissajous figure representative of the displacement and relative velocity of the press platens. A second lissajous figure representing the desired platen movements and relative velocity may be superimposed on the first lissajous figure, differences between the first and second lissajous figures indicating deviations from the desired operation of the press. Alternately, a press operator may simply use the first lissajous figure constructed from the actual platen displacements to analyze the operation of the press. The completion of preselected portions of the first lissajous figure may be detected and used to trigger subsequent press operations.

Abstract: A tube-to-plate connection includes a plate defining an aperture where the tube is to be attached to the plate, the portion of the plate surrounding the aperture including a flange extending away from the plane of the plate and providing, at its distal extent, a lip which projects radially inwardly toward the axis of the aperture. The end of the tube lies generally against the lip to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally further through the plate. The flange includes an opening for receiving a radially deformed portion of the tube side wall adjacent the end of the tube to prevent rotation of the tube in the plate. The flange and tube end include portions adjacent the lip which are flared to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally out of engagement with the plate.

Abstract: A tube-to-plate connection includes a plate defining an aperture where the tube is to be attached to the plate. The portion of the plate surrounding the aperture includes a plurality of fingers extending away from the plane of the plate and projecting radially inwardly toward the axis of the aperture. The end of the tube lies generally against the radially inward projections of the fingers to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally further through the plate. The tube side wall includes a radially deformed portion adjacent each finger to prevent rotation of the tube in the plate. The fingers and the tube end include portions adjacent the radially inward projections of the fingers which are flared radially outward to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally out of engagement with the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a dual platen press used in the manufacture of nuclear fuel pellets is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for indicating the displacements of both platens and imposing the displacements of the platens on orthogonal axes such that the displacements jointly control the motion of a point which traces a lissajous figure representative of the displacement and relative velocity of the press platens. A second lissajous figure representing the desired platen movements and relative velocity may be superimposed on the first lissajous figure, differences between the first and second lissajous figures indicating deviations from the desired operation of the press. Alternately, a press operator may simply use the first lissajous figure constructed from the actual platen displacements to analyze the operation of the press. The completion of preselected portions of the first lissajous figure may be detected and used to trigger subsequent press operations.