Abstract: An MC-LAG system may operate to monitor load conditions existing in two network switches, and to compute a load index value based on detected load conditions. If a computed load index value for a first switch is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold, an overloaded switch may predictively cause traffic to be routed to a second switch prior to rebooting of the first switch. Load index values may be computed based upon factors including excessive inter-switch link (“ISL”) flapping, excessive MAC flush or MAC move operations in a switch, excessive processing resource utilization in a switch.

Abstract: A coated substrate is provided that includes an environmental barrier coating on (e.g., directly on) a surface of a substrate (e.g., a ceramic matrix composite). The environmental barrier coating can include a barrier layer having a refractory material phase and a silicon-containing glass phase. The silicon-containing glass phase may be a continuous phase within the barrier layer (e.g., a breathable grain boundary of the barrier layer), or may be a plurality of discontinuous layers dispersed throughout the refractory material phase. The refractory material phase can include a rare earth silicate material having a rare earth component at a first atomic percent, while the silicon-containing glass phase comprises the rare earth component at a second atomic percent that is less than the first atomic percent. Methods are also provided for forming a barrier layer on a substrate.

Abstract: A fastener for securing at least a first component and a second component together, the fastener comprising: a securing portion adapted to be secured to the first and/or the second component, and a guiding portion adapted to be guided by a manipulator or a tool in order to set the securing portion in the first and/or the second component, wherein the securing portion and the guiding portion form a one-piece element made of one unique aluminium alloy having a composition between 0.03 and 0.55 wt % Scandium.

Abstract: An MC-LAG system may operate to monitor load conditions existing in two network switches, and to compute a load index value based on detected load conditions. If a computed load index value for a first switch is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold, an overloaded switch may predictively cause traffic to be routed to a second switch prior to rebooting of the first switch. Load index values may be computed based upon factors including excessive inter-switch link (“ISL”) flapping, excessive MAC flush or MAC move operations in a switch, excessive processing resource utilization in a switch.

Abstract: A coated substrate is provided that includes an environmental barrier coating on (e.g., directly on) a surface of a substrate (e.g., a ceramic matrix composite). The environmental barrier coating can include a barrier layer having a refractory material phase and a silicon-containing glass phase. The silicon-containing glass phase may be a continuous phase within the barrier layer (e.g., a breathable grain boundary of the barrier layer), or may be a plurality of discontinuous layers dispersed throughout the refractory material phase. The refractory material phase can include a rare earth silicate material having a rare earth component at a first atomic percent, while the silicon-containing glass phase comprises the rare earth component at a second atomic percent that is less than the first atomic percent. Methods are also provided for forming a barrier layer on a substrate.

Abstract: A system for monitoring clinched joints performed by an apparatus that moves a punch relative to a die. The system determines acceptability of a clinched joint by correlating the amount of punch advancement toward the die in the formation of the joint and the diameter of a button formed by the joint.

Abstract: A system for monitoring clinched joints performed by an apparatus that moves a punch relative to a die. The system determines acceptability of a clinched joint by correlating the amount of punch advancement toward the die in the formation of the joint and the diameter of a button formed by the joint.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: A fastening system with a weld stud having an annular weldment portion and a fracturable nut is provided. The fracturable nut and stud construction is configured to fail under torsional load prior to the structural parts failure.

Abstract: A fastening system is providing, the fastening system has a weld stud having an annular weldment portion and a fracturable nut. The fracturable nut and stud construction is configured to fail under torsional load prior to the structural parts failure.

Abstract: A fastening system is providing, the fastening system has a weld stud having an annular weldment portion and a fracturable nut. The fracturable nut and stud construction is configured to fail under torsional load prior to the structural parts failure.

Abstract: A fastening system is providing, the fastening system has a weld stud having an annular weldment portion and a fracturable nut. The fracturable nut and stud construction is configured to fail under torsional load prior to the structural parts failure.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a fastening system includes a self-piercing fastener having a thread-like pattern. In another aspect of the present invention, a fastener insertion machine employs an electromagnetic actuator without fluid actuation. A further aspect of the present invention uses a rotary-to-linear transmission within the machine to advance the fastener. In still another aspect of the present invention a self-piercing fastener is a clinch nut or a clinch stud.

Abstract: A fastening system is providing, the fastening system has a weld stud having an annular weldment portion and a fracturable nut. The fracturable nut and stud construction is configured to fail under torsional load prior to the structural parts failure.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a fastening system includes a self-piercing fastener having a thread-like pattern. In another aspect of the present invention, a fastener insertion machine employs an electromagnetic actuator without fluid actuation. A further aspect of the present invention uses a rotary-to-linear transmission within the machine to advance the fastener. In still another aspect of the present invention a self-piercing fastener is a clinch nut or a clinch stud.

Abstract: A fastening system is providing, the fastening system has a weld stud having an annular weldment portion and a fracturable nut. The fracturable nut and stud construction is configured to fail under torsional load prior to the structural parts failure.

Abstract: An L-shaped weld-fast bracket is disclosed for welding to thin sheet metal. The bracket has a surface which is configured to mate with the thin sheet metal having a depth being a multiple of the thickness of the sheet metal.