Abstract: A method of fabricating a catalyst converter includes the steps of: obtaining a tubular member by rolling up a metallic plate member of a rectangular shape having ear portions at four corners thereof such that opposing ones of the ear portions abut against each other, and by effecting butt welding for both ends of the plate member; cutting off projecting portions formed by the ear portions at both ends of a weld of the tubular member; incorporating a catalyst carrier into the tubular member with the projecting portions cut off; effecting drawing for both end portions of the tubular member with the catalyst carrier incorporated therein; and attaching a pair of flanges, respectively, to the both end portions of the tubular member subjected to drawing.

Abstract: In order to simplify and ensure the bending process of an inlet or outlet pipe portion of a metal case, there is provided accordion folds between the pipe portion and a major portion of the case. When, for bending the pipe portion, a certain force is applied to the pipe portion, the accordion folds are subjected to a plastic deformation thereby inclining the pipe portion relative to a major portion of the case.

Abstract: A pipe shaping method forms a narrow neck at one end of a workpiece in the form of an elliptical pipe having a cross sectional shape elongated in a predetermined elongating direction, with a roller.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a catalyst converter includes the steps of: obtaining a tubular member by rolling up a metallic plate member of a rectangular shape having ear portions at four corners thereof such that opposing ones of the ear portions abut against each other, and by effecting butt welding for both ends of the plate member; cutting off projecting portions formed by the ear portions at both ends of a weld of the tubular member; incorporating a catalyst carrier into the tubular member with the projecting portions cut off; effecting drawing for both end portions of the tubular member with the catalyst carrier incorporated therein; and attaching a pair of flanges, respectively, to the both end portions of the tubular member subjected to drawing.

Abstract: A pipe shaping method forms a narrow neck at one end of a workpiece in the form of an elliptical pipe having a cross sectional shape elongated in a predetermined elongating direction, with a roller.

Abstract: A fuel sensor for sensing methanol in methanol-mixed fuel, which comprises a structure which defines a fuel passage through which the mixed fuel flows, an electrode assembly including a pair of probe portions which are exposed to the fuel passage, and an electric circuit causing the paired probe portions to exhibit positive and negative characteristics respectively in the mixed fuel. At least the positive probe portion is intimately covered with an electrically insulating film.

Abstract: A fuel sensor for sensing a mixing ratio of a given liquid in a mixed fuel comprises a housing; a structure housed in the housing, the structure having a fuel passage formed therethrough; and an electrode assembly housed in the housing and held by the structure, the electrode assembly including at least one pair of probe portions which are exposed to the fuel passage. The full sensor also includes an output control circuit housed in the housing, the output control circuit issuing an amplified voltage output which varies in accordance with a small information signal applied to an input portion of the output control circuit; and an electrically conducting member housed in the housing and electrically connecting the electrode assembly to the input portion of the output control circuit, so that the output control circuit issues an amplified voltage output which varies in accordance with a capacitance established between the paired probe portions.