Abstract: A turbocompressor assembly includes a first rotor stage mounted on a rotary shaft and including circular rows of impeller blades on one surface thereof separated by radial gaps in which opposed blade rows on a second rotor stage are received. The two rotor stages are geared for counter-rotation and at least one of the rotors is perforated proximate its center to allow air to be drawn between the opposed surfaces thereof, where its passage over the impeller blades develops useful torque. The opposed rotor surfaces are convolved to define a radially decreasing separation to an annular combustion cavity, and thereafter increasing with radius. Thus a radial compressor and a turbine function are developed by the respective blade rows on either side of the combustion cavity. The combustion cavity may be formed in one of the rotors, or may be shared between the rotors as a communicating common annular chamber.

Abstract: A microturbine power generation system includes a turbine having a diffuser. A plurality of openings are located in the diffuser. When an exhaust stream is leaving the turbine, ambient air is drawn through the openings and into the turbine exhaust stream. The ambient air lowers the temperature of the turbine exhaust stream.

Abstract: A vehicle for self-propelled travel through a body of water includes a hull, a propulsive element for engaging the water, an engine, and a fuel storage container. The engine includes a combustion chamber for receiving a monopropellant fuel and combusting the monopropellant fuel to form an energized gas. The engine includes responsive elements for drawing energy from expansion of the energized gas. The responsive elements are coupled to the propulsive element to drive the propulsive element. A fuel flow path extends from the container upstream to the combustion chamber downstream. A pump system pumps the fuel from the container. A port draws water from the body of water through the hull in at least a first mode of operation. A water flow path extends from the port upstream to the combustion chamber downstream in at least the first mode of operation.

Abstract: To provide an exhaust gas purifying system for an internal combustion engine capable of executing an optimal regenerative operation by predicting a temperature of an absorbent based on running state information.There are predicted the amount of nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x) to be absorbed by an absorbent 125 incorporated in a catalyst 124 and the temperature of the absorbent, based on the running state information obtained from a car navigation system 141 or traffic information service receiver 142, and the regenerative operation schedule is determined based on the prediction. Thus, the regenerative operation is conducted at the timing where NO.sub.x has been duly absorbed by the absorbent and the absorbent temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, so that the leakage of NO.sub.x into the exterior of a vehicle can be restrained.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cleansing and filtering exhaust gas of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas cleansing chamber having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, the exhaust gas inlet connected to the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, a vaporizer connected to the exhaust pipe so as to introduce water vapor into the exhaust gas before the exhaust gas enters the exhaust gas cleansing chamber, and a sprinkler connected to the exhaust gas cleansing chamber so as to provide a spray curtain of water between the exhaust gas inlet and the exhaust gas outlet to filter impurities from and reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold assembly for use with an internal combustion engine includes a segmented exhaust manifold with a first segment and a second segment. The first segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an outlet end. The second segment has an inlet end for connection with the internal combustion engine and an additional inlet end connected with the outlet end of the first segment. An exhaust connector is connected between the outlet end of the first segment and the additional inlet end of the second segment. The exhaust connector includes an inner tubular element, an outer tubular element and a bellows. The outer tubular element is positioned radially around the inner tubular element. The bellows engages the inner tubular element and biases the inner tubular element against the first segment or the second segment. The bellows also engages the outer tubular element and biases the outer tubular element against the other of the first segment or the second segment.

Abstract: A traveling-wave device is provided with the conventional moving pistons eliminated. Acoustic energy circulates in a direction through a fluid within a torus. A side branch may be connected to the torus for transferring acoustic energy into or out of the torus. A regenerator is located in the torus with a first heat exchanger located on a first side of the regenerator downstream of the regenerator relative to the direction of the circulating acoustic energy; and a second heat exchanger located on an upstream side of the regenerator. The improvement is a mass flux suppressor located in the torus to minimize time-averaged mass flux of the fluid. In one embodiment, the device further includes a thermal buffer column in the torus to thermally isolate the heat exchanger that is at the operating temperature of the device.

Abstract: A turbocharger with an integral exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) chamber incorporated into the turbine housing attaches to an exhaust outlet casting having a segregated EGR chamber. A valve in the turbine housing EGR chamber allows recirculation of exhaust gas directly from the turbine volute.

Abstract: A particularly efficient and reliable motor-assisted turbocharger for internal combustion engines includes an assisting electric motor, a combination flow turbine wheel which may be inserted and removed from the turbocharger assembly through the exhaust opening of the turbine casing, and a divided volute turbine casing designed in a unique way so that the tips of the turbine blades can be extended to be closely adjacent to the turbine casing divider wall without complicating the mechanical design of the turbine, thereby providing an economical assembly with high-turbine efficiency compared with conventional, radial turbines used in turbochargers, and by providing in preferred embodiments, improved bearing support for the shaft, including reliable, stable shock- and vibration-resistant, high efficient, simple and economical bearing systems that are insertable and, permit inexpensive manufacture, maintenance, and repair of the turbochargers in which they are used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering energy from wastes is used for recovering energy by gasifying wastes such as municipal waste. The method comprises gasifying wastes in a fluidized-bed gasification furnace at a relatively low temperature; introducing gaseous material and char produced in the fluidized-bed gasification furnace into a melting furnace; gasifying the gaseous material and char in the melting furnace at a relatively high temperature; introducing gas produced in the melting furnace into a heat exchanging unit; and delivering heat recovered in the heat exchanging unit to a heat cycle to generate electric energy.

Abstract: A conventional steam power plant or a combined power plant is provided with intermediate superheating. At least part of the superheated steam in the superheater (3) and the intermediately superheated steam in the intermediate superheater (9) are subject to an indirect heat exchange. The device is characterized in that the superheater (3) and the intermediate superheater (9) are provided with at least one mutual superheater/intermediate superheater heat exchanger unit (19). The unit (19) includes, for example, a double-walled pipe (21) whose inner pipe is provided for the superheater steam flow, and whose outer pipe is provided for the intermediate superheater steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of supplying cold in a refrigerator, wherein respective temperatures at a plurality of different portions of the interior of the refrigerator are sensed so that cold air is selectively supplied to each refrigerator portion based on the sensed temperature associated with the refrigerator portion, thereby effectively maintaining the refrigerating and freezing compartments of the refrigerator at predetermined temperatures, respectively. The apparatus and method are also configured to concentratedly supply cold air to a portion of the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator in which a new load is stored. When at least one of the sensed temperatures of the freezing compartment and different portions of the refrigerating compartment is higher than an associated set temperature, concentratedly supplying cold air to the compartment or compartment portion exhibiting the temperature higher than the set temperature.

Abstract: Plate eat exchangers are disclosed which accommodate variations in the relative proportions of liquid and vapour refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant in the two phases to remain in equilibrium throughout the flow path through the heat exchanger. The flow path can be arranged to be boustrophedonic so that it comprises first and second sets of alternating parallel sub-channels in which the resistance to flow of refrigerant fluid along each of the sub-channels of the first set is greater than the resistance to flow along the respective adjacent sub-channels of the second set. The configuration of the channel for the refrigerant through the heat exchanger can be arranged so that the resistance to the flow of refrigerant is greater towards one end than towards the other end.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of defrosting a frost load accumulated on an evaporator, the method comprising the steps of: performing a normal mode for controlling ON-OFF operations of the compressor; sensing a temperature of the evaporator, comparing the sensed temperature with a first preset temperature to thereby determine a significant amount of frost; if the sensed temperature is less than the first preset temperature, removing the frost by activating the fan and the heater for a predetermined duration; determining whether or not the fan should be activated during the defrost mode, by sensing and comparing temperatures outside/inside the refrigerator, and a total number of instances of a refrigerator door opening and closing; checking whether or not the duration has elapsed, and if the duration has not elapsed, continuously activating the heater; and de-activating the heater if the duration has elapsed and performing the normal mode.

Abstract: The expanded flow through a heat exchanger type economizer is controlled by an electronic expansion valve and is supplied to the motor of a motor compressor to cool the motor. The electronic expansion valve is controlled by a microprocessor responsive to the temperature of the motor winding sensed by a thermistor.

Abstract: A refrigerant circulation system of the present invention includes a compressor, a condenser, a evaporator, a throttle device and a control unit. The control unit controls a composition of a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circulation system based on a temperature and pressure of the refrigerant of an inlet and outlet portion of the compressor, condenser, evaporator and throttle device. The control unit controls to open and close the throttle device to change the composition of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circulation system.

Abstract: A portable evidence preservation system for storing and transporting forensic evidence, in particular items containing blood, fibers, hair, and semen samples, in one or more generally energy-efficient, cool, dry, contaminate-free, isolated chambers. The system includes a housing having a plurality of chambers for storing and transporting forensic evidence therein, an HVAC unit for providing, and desirably recirculating, a supply of air through the chambers and for maintaining the supply of air at a predetermined temperature and at a predetermined humidity. A plurality of HEPA-type filters separately filters the supply of air to each chamber. The cool, dry air in the chambers inhibits and reduces the rate of the growth of bacteria which can destroy DNA and other proteins in the items of evidence containing blood and semen samples. The HEPA-type filters are effective to reduce cross-contamination between items in a chamber and between items in different chambers.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus for cold merchandise, e.g., food products or containers holding beverages, particularly soft drinks, comprising a cabinet of a substantially rectangular shape in its horizontal cross section having an evaporator (8) and a fan (7) placed at the top within the cabinet (1), and a compressor (9), condenser (10) and fan (11) disposed at the bottom of the cabinet (1), and where a compartment (2) in the cabinet (1) for the beverage container (20) has a rear wall section (2"), a front wall section (16), a bottom section (2'), a top section (12), and side walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an electrical component is disclosed which comprises a sorber containing a sorbent; a condenser in fluid communication with the sorber; an evaporator in fluid communication with both the sorber and the condenser and connected in heatexchange relation to the electrical component; wherein a sorbate which has been condensed in the condenser is evaporated in the evaporator, thereby absorbing heat from the electrical component, and then adsorbed onto the sorbent; an electromagnetic wave generator; a waveguide coupler for directing the electromagnetic waves to the sorbent; wherein the sorbate is desorbed from the sorbent by the electromagnetic waves and condensed in the condenser; and wherein the desorption of the sorbate from the sorbent is substantially isothermal.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an electrical component is disclosed which comprises a sorber containing a sorbent; a condenser in fluid communication with the sorber; an evaporator in fluid communication with both the sorber and the condenser and connected in heat-exchange relation to the electrical component; wherein a sorbate which has been condensed in the condenser is evaporated in the evaporator, thereby absorbing heat from the electrical component, and then adsorbed onto the sorbent; an electromagnetic wave generator, a waveguide coupler for directing the electromagnetic waves to the sorbent; wherein the sorbate is desorbed from the sorbent by the electromagnetic waves and condensed in the condenser; and wherein the desorption of the sorbate from the sorbent is substantially isothermal.

Abstract: A condensing module for an air conditioner is provided with a substantially rectangular housing having a front wall and back wall. The housing is formed from upper and lower housing sections molded from plastic. The lower section has a base which has molded therewith structure for mounting of an outdoor fan assembly positioned near the front wall, and structure for mounting of a compressor. Further molded with the lower section is an upstanding wall located between the fan assembly and the back wall. The wall defines a condenser fan shroud and, at its upper end, defines spaced apart upwardly facing structural support surfaces on opposite sides of the shroud. The upper housing section has a top wall having molded therewith a downwardly extending wall section which cooperates with the lower section to define the condenser fan shroud.

Abstract: A window-mounted air conditioner has indoor and outdoor heat exchangers associated with respective first and second fans, and a duct for forming an air passage. One part of the air passage has a larger cross sectional area than another part thereof disposed upstream of the one part. A guide blade is positioned in the one part to divide the one part into sections so that the velocity and pressure of air flowing through the one part is substantially the same as the velocity and pressure of air flowing through the other part.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed which is capable of preventing heat exchange between an evaporator and an outside air during a defrosting operation and/or when a door is open. The refrigerator has a device for opening/closing cool air discharge ports formed at a cool air duct. The opening/closing device includes opening/closing member for opening/closing the cool air discharge ports and a driving device for driving the opening/closing member. The cooling efficiency is enhanced and the frost caused by the outside air is not generated on the evaporator.

Abstract: A thermoregulating container provides for the heating and cooling of food and drink. The container is insulated and includes a heat exchanger system that can maintain the temperature of the contents of the container. The device may include modular elements that can detachably attach to one or many containers to selectively heat or cool the contents of the container(s). A first embodiment container includes at least one passage through the walls thereof, for conducting a heat exchanging fluid (water, refrigerant liquid, etc.) therethrough. The container passage(s) communicate with an attached reservoir module when such a module is attached to the container. When the module is attached, a heat exchanging fluid is circulated through the passage(s) in the container walls to heat or cool the substance therein accordingly.

Abstract: A constructional collector heat transfer unit having a fluid-carrying heat transfer unit and a collector for the intermediate refrigerant storage as well as an air conditioner with a refrigerant circulating system equipped therewith are provided. In the case of the constructional collector heat transfer unit 3 according to the invention, the heat transfer unit 6 is arranged in the interior of a housing 7a of the collector 7 such that the fluid guided through the heat transfer unit comes in a thermal contact with refrigerant intermediately stored in the collector and removed from it, fluid connection lines 13a, 13b for the heat transfer unit extending through the collector housing. By means of this constructional collector heat transfer unit air conditioners can be equipped with an interior heat transfer device.

Abstract: Provided are a novel system and method for delivery of a vapor phase product to a point of use, as well as a novel on-site chemical distribution system and method. The system for delivery of a vapor phase product includes a storage vessel containing a liquid chemical under its own vapor pressure, a column connected to receive the chemical in liquified state from the storage vessel, wherein the chemical is fractionated into a contaminated liquid heavy fraction and a purified light vapor fraction and a conduit connected to the column for removing the purified light vapor fraction therefrom. The system is connected to the point of use for introducing the purified vapor fraction thereto. Particular applicability is found in semiconductor manufacturing in the delivery of electronics specialty gases to one or more semiconductor processing tools.

Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of fluorochemicals from a gas stream containing a diluent gas and fluorochemicals by first contacting the gas stream with a membrane system in one or more stages where the membrane(s) is selectively more permeable to the diluent gas than the fluorochemicals to result in a permeate stream rich in diluent gas and retentate rich in fluorochemicals, thereafter subjecting retentate the gas stream to a purification by distillation or adsorption resulting in a product stream enriched in fluorochemicals and a purified diluent stream. The purified diluent stream is used as a purge stream and/or a recycle stream together with the permeate stream to a vacuum pump upstream of the membrane separation step.

Abstract: A piece of jewelry, like a ring, bracelet, or necklace containing a center opening, consists of a main body section which takes the shape of the piece. This section has a channel extending around its side walls into which arms from covers are inserted. The covers overlay the main body section and slidably move over the main body section by means of the arms in the channels. In the preferred embodiment, two covers are provided on the main body section, although one or more than two covers are contemplated. The two covers slidably move in opposite directions on the main body section. The covers may have decorative ornamentation on their outer surfaces. When they are placed together and locked into position by a spring detent, the jewelry has one appearance. When the covers are together, they also conceal and protect the gem, inscription, or other decorative ornamentation on the top surface of the main body section.

Abstract: A novel pierced-ear earring comprises a toggle having inner and outer sides and an earpost attached to the inner side. A perforation passes through two other sides of the toggle, and an upper portion of a loop is positioned within the perforation. A pendant having first and second faces comprising non-identical ornaments is attached to a lower portion of the loop. The loop and pendant are rotatable through 180 degrees about the axis of the perforation and, together with the toggle and earpost, are rotatable through 180 degrees about the axis of the earpost. A novel method of reversing the novel earring comprises rotating the entire earring about the axis of the earpost and simultaneously rotating the loop and pendant about the axis of the toggle perforation. The earpost, toggle and loop comprise a novel finding or component for use in manufacture of jewelry.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of obtaining a gradient index type of optical element with profiles of first and second metal component concentrations by the sol-gel method. The process of fabricating a gradient index type of optical element comprises steps of dipping a silicon component-containing wet gel prepared by the sol-gel method in a solution containing an alkoxide of at least one metal component selected from a first group consisting of Ti, Nb, Ta, and Zr or a derivative thereof to thereby impart to the wet gel a concentration gradient with a concentration of the first metal component decreasing from a periphery to a center of the wet gel, allowing at least one metal component selected from a second group consisting of Ba, La, Y, Gd, Sr, Ca, and Zn to be dissolved out of the wet gel to thereby impart to the wet gel a concentration gradient with a concentration of the second metal component increasing from the periphery to the center of the wet gel, and drying, and firing the wet gel.

Abstract: The invention is used to manufacture an inhomogeneous medium whose porosity and permeability undergo rapid transitions from one point to another of its volume, by juxtaposing different materials without creating a barrier. Such a transition is made by juxtaposing a first material and a second material with a different porosity to the first. One of them can be a rock sample such as sandstone for example, the other can be a composite material obtained by agglomerating pyrex powder for example, the whole being heated according to a specific temperature cycle up to a temperature (TR) lower than the melting point of the two materials but sufficient to achieve partial melting of one of the materials at the interface with the other material, but without formation of a continuous or discontinuous capillary barrier between them, or an interzone with preferred passage for fluids. Thus, different composite materials can be juxtaposed to constitute the inhomogeneous medium.

Abstract: A gas is supplied to the surface of the glass sheet transferred between a heating furnace and a cooling apparatus for tempering the glass sheet. The gas is supplied from the upstream side with respect to the direction of transfer of the glass sheet by an air curtain device. This gas runs along the glass sheet surface (upper surface) downstream with respect to the direction of transfer to obstruct the flow of cooling gas from the cooling apparatus in the upstream direction. The gas prevents cooling air from the cooling apparatus from invading the heating furnace so that the difference of the curvature of the glass sheet on the front and rear part can be eliminated.

Abstract: In a grindstone for fabricating a mold which has optical fiber engagement portions of an optical fiber guide block used for aligning optical fibers, two main grinding surfaces are provided to form the optical fiber engagement portions contacted with the sides of the optical fibers and a tip end portion which is contiguous to the two main grinding surfaces and which has a contour contained within a predetermined area. The predetermined area has a triangle shape which is defined by two tangent lines along the two main grinding surfaces and a preselected line drawn between two points determined on the two main grinding surfaces. The two points are decided in accordance with a predetermined formula.

Abstract: Apparatus (32) and a method for heated mold changing at a forming station (24) in a heated chamber (22) where heated glass sheets are cyclically formed. A switching station (318) is located adjacent the forming station (24). An unloading station (320) and a mold preheating station (322) are each located adjacent the switching station. An unloading cart (324) is initially movable from the loading station (320) to the switching station (318) and then to the forming station (24) to receive one or more heated molds from the forming station and is subsequently moved from the forming station back through the switching station to the unloading station to permit unloading of each heated mold. A loading cart supports a second mold or a pair of molds for heating within the mold preheating station (322) and is movable from the mold preheating station to the switching station (318) and then to the forming station for mold loading.

Abstract: An I.S. glass forming machine is disclosed which has a plurality of individual sections each having a parison mold including a cavity having a first vertical axis. There is a trough assembly for each of the mold cavities which includes a deflector defining a second vertical axis. A horizontal beam supported by vertical uprights extends over the individual sections. The horizontal beam has a plurality of vertical openings corresponding to the number of individual sections of the machine which are in substantial alignment with the vertical axis of corresponding parison mold cavities. A corresponding plurality of hangers each defining a third vertical axis. The hangers are secured within the vertical openings with the third vertical axis coincident with the first vertical axis of a corresponding parison mold cavity and the trough assemblies are supported on a corresponding hanger with the third vertical axis of the hanger coincident with the second vertical axis of the supported deflector.

Abstract: An H-28 machine has a plurality of identical sections each processing a gob of molten glass into a parison and then into a piece of ware each complete revolution of the section. Each section includes a blank mold displaceable between a parison forming position and a retracted position by blank mold down air.Each section also includes a plunger which is displaceable from an elevated position down to the parison forming position and a neck ring assembly which includes an air motor. Finally the section also includes a blow mold displaceable from a remote position to a closed position. The air motor is operated from the time that the blank mold begins its displacement from the parison forming position to the retracted position by a valve which connects blank mold down air to the air motor.

Abstract: A drum type drying/washing machine performs drying without the flow of cooling water during a predetermined period of time or a period of time determined in accordance with an amount of clothes. After the passage of the period of time, the machine starts the flow of the cooling water so as to perform drying with cooling-dehumidication. The drum type drying/washing machine, at the initial stage of the drying operation, also performs not only the heating of clothing, but also the rotating of a drum at a high speed to dehydrate the clothing. A drum type drying/washing machine rotates a drum at an almost a maximum rotational rate at which, in a low speed rotation, materials to be processed can roll over in the drum; or at a rotational rate above which, in the low speed rotation, the materials to be processed as a whole stick to the inner peripheral wall of the drum. Further, the drum is accelerated to a high speed rotation only when an output from an unbalance detecting device is a predetermined level or less.

Abstract: A wash ball comprises an upper and an lower case half both of which have a semi-spherical shell body with openings formed thereon. The connecting end of the upper case half is provided on the end surface with a plurality of cavities and on the peripheral surface with outer screw threads. The lower case half is also provided with openings on the shell body and a plurality of embossed round dots on the end surface and an annular flange around the connecting end. The annular flange has internal screw threads formed on the inner wall surface. With such an arrangement, the upper and the lower case half can be put together to enclose solid detergent therein by means of the engagement of screw threads. When the upper case half links with the lower case half to form a wash ball, each embossed round dot extends into a cavity to prevent the ball from loosened in water. The wash ball has the advantages of simplified structure and assembling processes.

Abstract: A door lock arrangement for motor vehicles with a closing cylinder arrangement (2) attached to outer sheet metal (1) of the body of a vehicle so as to be accessible from the outside and with a lock mechanism (5) attached in the body to be inaccessible from the outside. On the closing cylinder arrangement (2) there is transfer element (6) which establishes the connection of closing cylinder arrangement (2) to the lock mechanism (5). A corresponding coupling element (7) on the lock mechanism (5) engages the transfer element (6) by form-fit such that rotary motion of transfer element (6) is converted into a corresponding rotary motion of the coupling element (7).

Abstract: A vehicle immobilizing device adapted for removable interconnection to a vehicle wheel assembly for temporarily immobilizing the vehicle. The vehicle immobilizing device utilizes an outer arm, an inner arm, an engagement dome, a self-positioning tire stop, and a securing mechanism which in combination provides engagement to the vehicle wheel assembly to prevent unauthorized removal.

Abstract: A security system for securing personal property at a beach including two augers is provided. A pair of augers (15,16,50,100) are screwed into the sand. A crossbar (11,102) placed in loops (13,14,56) on the exposed ends of the augers. The crossbar is locked to the augers so that the augers may not be unscrewed from the sand. Items of personal property (31,140) may then be locked to the security device formed by the augers and crossbar.

Abstract: A device for lifting, in particular in the event of a breakdown or failure, the ban on the opening of a conditional opening locking system. This device includes: driving means (MT); a transmission member (28); and a blocking member (PVI) connected to the driving means (MT) by the transmission member (28) and able to be actuated by the driving means (MT) to occupy an active position (P1) in which the blocking member opposes the movement of a bar, and an inactive position (P2) in which the blocking member authorizes the movement thereof, the device including de-activation means (54, 64, 66) provided for freeing the transmission member (28) and authorizing the release of the blocking member (PVI) from the blocking member's active position (P1). The device is applicable in particular to a conditional opening locking system and particularly to a time lock.

Abstract: A kit for retrofitting a door with a remotely controllable locking mechanism having a combination key-operated deadbolt lock and door knob latching lock for a door. A housing for the operating parts is insertable in a mortised pocket or cavity in the latch edge of the door or it may be attached to the exterior surface of the interior well of the door. The electronics to operate the mechanism sends a signal to a receiver installable in the wall near the locks. Power is supplied to solenoids to simultaneously activate the locking and unlocking mechanisms of the deadbolt and the door knob latching lock when the kit is assembled in the door. Manual key overrides are provided for the deadbolt and for the latch.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an elongated multi-lateral member from a round tube. A die is provided having a first die member and a second die member movable relative to the first die member between open and closed positions. The first and second die members define a first pair of opposed surfaces which each lie in a plane angled slightly with respect to an axis of movement of the second die member. The first and second die members further define a second pair of opposed surfaces which lie in a plane generally perpendicular to the first pair of opposed surfaces and which combine with the first pair of opposed surfaces to define a die cavity.

Abstract: A die assembly includes spinning pilot rollers for necking-in the open end of a container. The die assembly includes a cylindrical die for engaging the outside surface of a container. A tubular spindle is rotatably mounted along the axis of the die. One or more of rollers are rotatably mounted on the spindle, and each roller is pivotable about an axis which extends parallel to the axis of the die. An actuator is reciprocably mounted within the spindle and is movable between first and second positions for camming the rollers away from the axis of the spindle and toward the inside surface of the die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for roll forming a plurality of fin strips (10) from a single elongated strip of sheet material (20). The strip (20) includes a pair of adjacent, longitudinal rows (22, 24) of alternating crests (26) and valleys (28), with the crests (26) and valleys (28) of the row (22) longitudinally offset from the crests (26) and valleys (28) of the other row (24) so that the two rows (22, 24) are joined by a plurality of longitudinally spaced discrete connections (30) that define a longitudinal interface (32) between the two rows (22, 24). The connections (30) are broken by displacing the two rows (22, 24) relative to each other to form a pair of fin strips (36, 38), with each fin strip (36, 38) having a side edge (40, 42) defined by the now separated interface (32).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an exterior body panel for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The dynamic loading on a double action high speed mechanical cupping press is substantially reduced with multiple stage tooling which forms a batch of cups from a strip of sheet metal with each stroke of the press. Each tooling stage includes a plurality of annular draw pads each opposing a corresponding annular blank and draw die. An annular cut edge surrounds each of the draw pads, and a corresponding die center punch is located within each of the draw pads. The tooling stages are positioned at predetermined stepped elevations so that they sequentially blank the sheet metal to form a series of circular disk-like blanks between the cut edges and the corresponding blank and draw dies, sequentially hold the blanks between the draw pads and corresponding blank and draw dies, and sequentially draw the blanks into cups with the die center punches extending into the corresponding blank and draw dies.

Abstract: A stamping press comprising a blank-holder force-regulating system using fluid-operated compensating cylinders (5, 7). The variation in the force in the blank-holder pressure-regulating areas is thus compensated so as to maintain a predetermined constant pressure in the conventional blank-holder area. This pressure in the conventional blank-holder area can, by virtue of the invention, according to certain alternative embodiments, also be made to vary.

Abstract: A female die of a closed die set for use in near net warm forging a part includes a cavity having a tapered upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is configured to support a workpiece at a preliminary position in the cavity, and to cause the workpiece to be pre-bent as it is moved through the upper portion of the cavity by a punch. The lower portion has a constant length and width so that the workpiece remains in the pre-bent shape during movement through the lower portion to the bottom end of the cavity. The workpiece is finally formed at the bottom end of the cavity to produce the part.