Abstract: A portable steam bath assembly for providing an easily assembled lightweight portable steam bath assembly device. The portable steam bath assembly includes a frame, side and rear panels, a floor assembly, an outer cover, and a steam generating assembly.

Abstract: A shower door assembly is disclosed that has a connector vertically slidably attached to a lower door. The connector corrects for out of plumb conditions when linked to a curb rail, and inhibits door swing. The connector may be assembled after the curb is mounted to a surface due to a transverse lateral connection involving multi-rotatonal positions.

Abstract: A system from converting a bathtub area into an enclosed substantially waterproof shower enclosure. Closure frames are mounted at each end of the shower curtain to engage retention frames mounted on opposed walls of the enclosure. Each end of the shower curtain is retained within a vertically disposed U-shaped channel having longitudinal ridges therein and a flexible rubber grommet spline or locking rod running lengthwise. The preferred material is rigid PVC. The edge of the shower curtain is rolled about the flexible spline which is then press filled into the U-shaped channel. The curtain is frictionally secured between the spline and the internal walls of the U-shaped channel.

Abstract: A shower device contains a body that is mounted in a support structure and that has a first pivoting element arranged so as to pivot about a first pivoting axis. A second pivoting element bearing a shower rose is mounted on the first pivoting element so as to be capable of pivoting about a second pivoting axis transverse to the first pivoting axis. A device is provided to impart to the body an oscillation movement about each of the first and second pivoting axes so as to cause regular spatial movement of a water jet according to a variety of programmable path cycles.

Abstract: A control for a waste water drain in the bottom of a bathtub which has an overflow port above the drain in the end wall of the bathtub has a vertical drain pipe having upper and lower ends. A first fluid port is located at the upper end of the vertical drain pipe and a second fluid port is located below the first fluid port for connection to a bathtub waste water drain. A valve element is slidably mounted in the vertical drain pipe adjacent the second port and is movable between a lower position to close the second port to fluid flow, and an upper position which will open the second fluid port to fluid flow. An electrical solenoid is mounted adjacent the first port. An elongated linkage connects the valve element to the plunger of the solenoid so that the movement of the plunger in one direction will raise the valve element to the upper position, and movement of the plunger in the opposite direction will lower the valve element to the lower position. The vertical drain pipe is length-adjustable.

Abstract: A method for converting a canopy crib to a standard crib. The canopy assembly has a number of canopy legs whose bottom portion removably fits inside respective hollows of the crib assembly. The canopy assembly is removed by pulling the canopy legs from the crib assembly to expose the hollows and then separately covering the hollows with plugs.

Abstract: A first playpen enclosure that converts easily to a bassinet, changing table or bed-side crib or "co-sleeper" that attaches securely to the parents' bed. A second enclosure support system maintains a padded enclosure and rigid floor panel at one or more predetermined levels below the top of the playpen to form the bassinet and co-sleeper. The second enclosure has a back, two sides, a bottom and a front flap that converts into a front wall for use in the bassinet mode and overhangs the front horizontal rail for use in the co-sleeper mode. The upper front corners are segmented into a movable section and a fixed section to facilitate lowering the front horizontal rail to at least one lower second position to accommodate various parental bed heights. Extensions of the fixed section are affixed to the front vertical rails and accept the movable sections in several positions to secure the rail in the second positions.

Abstract: A bed having a hard sleeping layer with a conduit embedded in the layer. The layer rests on a thermally insulating layer. The conduit loops across the surfaces. A steam generator directs steam through the conduit to warm the bed. The steam passes to a condensor which condenses the steam and passes the resulting water back to the steam generator. Operation of the steam generator is controlled by a thermostat. A sight gage permits observation of the level. An arrangement is provided for flushing the conduit.

Abstract: A sheet which comprises sheet material in an essentially rectangular configuration with a head end, a foot end, and parallel side edges therebetween and a transverse center line positioned over the transverse center line of the mattress. A first transverse fold line is located at a predetermined orientation with respect to the transverse center line. A second transverse fold is located at a predetermined distance from the first fold whereby the sheet material between the two folds is parallel with and overlies a portion of the sheet therebeneath thereby forming a pocket with its opening facing the head end. Stitching extends through the material of the pockets to maintain the pockets in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage device or organizer for use with a cot/bed or some other support structure. The organizer has a main body formed from a flexible material and includes a pouch for storing an elongated article such as a fishing rod and reel or a rifle with a scope. It also includes a variety of pockets for storing personal items, a holder for a container such as a beverage container, an eyeglass holder, a flashlight holder and/or a pen holder. The organizer further includes a shelf. A plurality of straps may be provided for securing the organizer to the frame of a bed/cot or another support structure.

Abstract: A bed extension device for use with a conventional bed having a mattress and box springs includes a head support element having a generally planar top portion and a side portion, wherein the top portion includes a hole therein and wherein the side portion is joined to the top portion at a substantially right angle; an insert element having a horizontal portion for insertion between the mattress and the box springs and a vertical portion extending at a substantially right angle therefrom; and a fastener for securing the side portion of the head support element to the vertical portion of the insert element to provide a desired alignment between the upper surface of the mattress and the top portion.

Abstract: A low air loss mattress continuously supports a person lying thereon, and includes an upper layer of inflatable cells, and a separate lower layer of inflatable cells. The lower layer of inflatable cells is always maintained at a constant pressure which is higher than the pressure in the upper layer of cells to prevent a person lying on the mattress from contacting the underlying support surface, in particular, when sitting or during transport. Cells forming the upper layer may be inflated at different pressures to provide optimum support to different parts of the body.

Abstract: The present relates to an improved structure of a multifunctional tooth-brush comprising a handle body, a bristles seat, an actuating rod, a teeth-polishing disc, a positioning peg and a spring. The bristles mounted on the bristles seat brushes the teeth when the tooth-brush is applied to the teeth in horizontal direction. The polishing disc mounted on the bristles seat polishes the teeth during the process of brushing the teeth.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus of the present invention comprises a cleaning member 105 adapted to be rotated while maintaining contact with a surface of a semiconductor wafer W, to thereby clean the surface of the semiconductor wafer W, and a drive motor 50 for rotating the cleaning member 105. A linear bushing 75 and coil springs 81 are provided between the cleaning member 105 and the drive motor 50. The linear bushing 75 ensures that the cleaning member 105 is capable of slidably moving in a direction of an axis of rotation. The coil springs 81 ensure that the cleaning member 105 applies a predetermined pressure to the semiconductor wafer W. A pressure in a casing 1 [(1-1), (1-2) and (1-3)] is set to a negative pressure relative to an outside air pressure by suction through a pipe 111.

Abstract: An inexpensive, portable golf ball cleaning device which provides a readily accessible means for cleaning a golf ball at any time and at any point on the golf course. The golf ball cleaning device includes a ball cleaning pad removably attachable to a golfer at a position which is readily accessible and convenient for wiping a golf ball on the pad yet does not interfere with the golfer's swing. In the preferred embodiments, the golf ball cleaning pad is a water absorbent material retained at a lightweight, waterproof backing which extends outwardly and upwardly to form a curved bottom portion or storage space at the bottom end of the backing. In the second preferred embodiment, the backing includes side walls extending from the bottom portion to the top of the backing. In the third preferred embodiment, the backing includes side walls having a lip or front wall for removeably retaining the water absorbent material at the backing.

Abstract: A mophead for a sponge mop, which includes a sponge body, and two protective cover layers covered on two opposite side walls of the sponge body, wherein the protective cover layers, which can be made of foamed skin, scouring pad, or woven fabrics, each have open spaces of size smaller than open spaces in the sponge body, a density greater than the sponge body, and a bottom scraper portion, which scrapes dirt from the floor when the mophead is moved over the floor.

Abstract: A pool brush for cleaning all narrow areas of a pool such as corners, stairs, seats, and where walls intersect as well as the intersection of where all floor areas meet the walls. The brush has a head with a substantially cylindrical body and semi-spherical rounded ends. All the brush bristles are perpendicular to and uniformly mounted approximately 1/4 inch center to center from one another across all rounded surfaces of the brush head. Each of the adjacent bristles on the rounded surfaces is angled approximately 10 degrees from one another. A side cross-sectional view of the cylindrical body shows the bristles expanding outward at approximately 280 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention is for a paint applicator, brush or similar painting tool, the handle(2) of which can easily be set between two different positions during ongoing work. Shaft and bristle parts of a paint-brush according to the invention have been divided along a plane which somewhat deviates from a plane which is parallel to an imaginary axis along the paint-brush parallel to the bristles. The two parts of the brush are joined by a shaft or the like which is at right angle to the dividing plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a luminous material formed from artificial fibers containing luminous powder for making bathing scrubbers. The artificial fibers are compressed into wide and long strips that are suitable for forming into artificial fiber ring members. A plurality of such ring members can be densely tied together to form a ball-shaped bathing scrubber or be braided together to form a long braid-shaped bathing scrubber. The luminous powder is blended into raw material of artificial fibers during manufacture of the fibers to give the artificial fibers a luminous surface with suitable roughness and friction. Therefore, bathing scrubbers made with the artificial fibers containing luminous powder not only give out bright and attractive light but also thoroughly remove dust and callus from a user's skin.

Abstract: An adjustable handle for a paint roller to facilitate holding the roller with its axis vertical as would be required for moving the roller in a horizontal path adjacent a ceiling. A second adjustment is provided to set the handle at an appropriate angle from the plane of the contact surface. The adjustable handle includes an index wheel on an extension of the roller shaft. A connector secured to the handle and mounted on the shaft extension is urged toward the index wheel by a spring. Two pins on the connector selectively engage holes in the index wheel. The connector is moved away from the index wheel against the urging of the spring to disengage one or other of the pins so that the angular adjustment of the connector and the index wheel can be changed and the selected pin relocated in a selected hole in the index wheel.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible member to account for compression loads in excess of a predetermined load, such as 30 percent greater than a maximum load for the flexible member. The system utilizes a flexible pultruded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity, yet relatively high elongation characteristics. The flexible arm bends to facilitate preventing damage to components in the wiper system when a compressive load applied to the flexible member reaches a predetermined load as a result of a fatigue condition, such as snow or ice build up on the windshield. In one embodiment, the predetermined load is defined as:P.sub.CR =KE=1.3P.sub.link ; where:P.sub.CR =the predetermined load;P.sub.link =a maximum normal running load for a comparably-sized steel or rigid link which does not flex;K is a coefficient= ##EQU1## E is the flexural modulus (MPa) and I is a moment of inertia in mm.sup.4and L is a length (mm) of flexible arm 28.

Abstract: A particulate removal and lens bond test device includes a base for receiving a waffle pack holding a plurality of optical subassemblies (OSAs) to be tested and an associated applicator for applying a predetermined flow of gas across the OSAs to remove loose particulates and to test the bond strength of the lens on the OSA. The applicator includes a flow regulator and a plurality of orifices arranged to direct the flow of gas onto each individual OSA in the waffle pack.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning system that includes a vacuum system for removing large cluttering items as well as soil, pebbles and other dirt; that is mountable in a vehicle; that includes a storage mechanism for storing and compacting large items; and that includes a passenger compartment console assembly, a separator unit assembly including a compaction subassembly, a motor powered wet/dry vacuum system, a passenger vacuum line in connection between the passenger compartment console and the separator unit, and a wet/dry vacuum hose in connection between the separator unit assembly and the wet/dry vacuum system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an intake body having an intake opening configured to receive the flow of air into particulates. An airflow propulsion device is coupled to the intake opening to draw the flow through the intake opening and through a flow passage having an approximately constant flow area. The flow continues through one or more conduits from the propulsion device to a filter element housed in a filter housing where the particulates are separated from the flow of air.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner includes a canister housing having an internal chamber and a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet both communicating with that chamber. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction generator and dust collector both held in the internal chamber. Further, the vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle for picking up dirt and debris and a motor driven agitator and drive motor carried on that nozzle. Finally, a hose and wand assembly are provided. The wand assembly provides fluid communication between the outlet of the nozzle and the hose leading to the suction inlet of the canister housing. The wand assembly includes respective first and second telescoping tubes constructed from metal, an electrical conductor and a telescoping insulator assembly including a channel for receiving and holding the electrical conductor in substantially any respective position of the first and second telescoping tubes.

Abstract: A vacuum floor cleaning system is provided having a carpet fiber agitating brush which oscillates in a plane horizontal to the floor. The vacuum floor cleaning system of the present invention includes generally a base member supported above the floor by wheels. The base member defines a nozzle opening positioned in close proximity to the floor and an air flow path between the nozzle and a dirt accumulation container. The base member serves as a mounting container for an electric motor, a suction producing fan, and a carpet fiber agitating brush bar.The electric motor is mounted to a motor baseplate in the base member and drives a rotating motor shaft which protrudes from a motor housing. The suction fan is mechanically coupled to and rotatably driven by the motor shaft to produce an air flow along the air flow path from the floor to the dirt accumulation container.

Abstract: A floor scrubber (10) is disclosed including a drive lug (62) for removably connecting a scrubbing member (64) to a drive (60) and having a trough for receipt and catching of solution for passage to the surface. The mount (58) for the drive (60) is biased by a spring (67) to pivot relative to a linkage plate (46) in turn pivotably mounted to the chassis (12) at an acute angle to the forward movement direction. The vacuum assembly (92) is sandwiched in a socket (100) formed in the bottom wall of a recovery tank (90) by a mount (106) to deaden the sound generated thereby and to allow air communication inside of the socket (100) but generally preventing entry of solution therein. The squeegee assembly (152) is biased by a gas spring (150) to engage the surface at a constant force independent of the pivotal position of the squeegee mount (148).

Abstract: An expandable pull rod of a luggage is formed of a handle, an adjustment device disposed in the handle, an inner tube fastened with the bottom end of the handle, a first locating element fastened with the inner tube, a first outer tube sleeved over the inner tube such that the first outer tube and the inner tube and securely connected by the first locating element, a second locating element fastened with the bottom end of the first outer tube, and a second outer tube sleeved over the first outer tube such that the first outer tube and the second outer tube are connected by the second locating element. The expansion and the retraction of the expandable pull rod are achieved by the first locating element and the second locating element. By activating the adjustment device, the inner tube and the first outer tube can be fully retracted into the second outer tube.

Abstract: A suitcase holder resistive of collision having a top seat, which is provided at the top end rod of the suitcase. The exterior of the top seat is formed with a receiving trough and a wall connected with a top plate, so that said receiving trough enables to receive the holder of the rod. At the connection of the wall and the top plate is formed a gap for engaging with a soft cushion, so that to prevent the hand hitting against said top plate of the top seat and the connection edge of the wall while the hand is holding the holder to press down the rod inside to the receiving trough of the top seat.

Abstract: A hinge mainly comprises a fixing plate, a base plate, a connection, and a door related hinge part. The fixing plate is provided with fixing holes for securing to the jamb of cabinet and a side plate having a auxiliary fixing hole. The base plate is mounted to the fixing plate and has two bumps and notches. The connection comprises a pin hooked by the notch of the base platen and a buckle being urged by a spring element to clasp the edge of the bump. The door related hinge part is mounted to the connection.

Abstract: A hinge construction for a two part folding mobile phone body has a spindle provided at one end with a torsion spring for applying torque in a closing direction to the two parts of the phone body. A first cam member is mounted on the spindle for movement axially thereof and has a portion engaged with one part of the phone body to prevent reciprocal rotation therebetween. A second cam member is attached to the other part of the phone body. A helical compression spring surrounding the spindle urges the first cam member into engagement with the second cam member. Push-button is disposed at the opposite end of the spindle for applying axial thrust to the first cam member to release the first cam member from the second cam member and allow opening movement of the body parts out of the closed position.

Abstract: A pivotal device connected between a door and a door frame includes a first part connected to the door frame and a second part connected to the door. The first part has a torsion member connected thereto which has a roller connected to one of two ends of the torsion member. A cam member is rotatably mounted to the first part and has a plurality of recesses one of which is engaged with the roller. The second part has a tube which is rotatably mounted to a shaft of the first part and is fixedly connected to the cam member. The door is pivoted relative to the door frame and positioned at an angle when the roller is engaged with one of the recesses of the cam member.

Abstract: A grip for a tool handle or other surface intended for gripping by a user, may be provided by a durable, expanded elastomeric material. Formation of the grip, and installation thereof on a handle may be effected to provide pre-loading of a normal force against the handle, requiring substantially less normal force by a user on order effect frictional engagement of a handle by the grip. The grip may also be formed to provide micro-pressure along ridges impressed into the hand of the user alternating with cavities in a surface of the grip for receiving intrusions of the hand. Thus, mechanical engagement, rather than strictly frictional engagement may be effected. Grips made in accordance with the invention have been demonstrated to provide sufficient engagement with a hand and a tool handle to permit a user to apply the maximum physical force available from the user.

Abstract: A moldable hand grip and method of forming the grip using a light curable moldable material. The moldable material is wrapped around a handle of a hand held implement. Pressure is then applied with the hand of a user to mold the moldable material while the temperature of the material is at ambient temperature. Light is applied to the molded material to cure the material and form a custom grip.

Abstract: Clip has first and second elongate members, each with first and second opposing ends. The first ends of the members are in general registry, and the second ends of the members are in general registry. A pivoting spring connects the members under tension such that the members generally remain in a closed position with respect to each of their first ends and open with respect to each of their second ends. The members can be moved relative the pivoting spring such that the first ends are drawn open and the second ends are drawn to a more closed position. The first member has an attaching material thereon such that the clip can be attached to a suitable solid surface. In one case, the attaching material is non-magnetic. It may, however, be reversibly attaching, for an illustrative example, being part of a hook-and-loop material. The clip may contain advertisement or other indicia thereon.

Abstract: A buckle for a belt includes a frame having two opposite sides formed with two upwardly extending lugs each having a through hole, two arms each extending outwardly from a respective one of the lugs, and a shoulder bridging another sides of the lugs, and a retainer generally including a tubular member, a shaft, and a spring, the tubular member having an elongated opening having an edge formed at an intermediate portion thereof with a hook, each end of the tubular member having a longitudinally and outwardly extending rod member, another edge of the elongated opening having a radial groove close to an end of the tubular member, an L-shaped handle close to the radial groove, the shaft extending longitudinally through both ends of the retainer and supported by the lugs at two ends thereof, the shaft having an intermediate portion formed with a through hole, the spring having a first end engaged with the through hole of the shaft and a second end fitted in the groove, whereby the belt can be easily fastened and r

Abstract: A belt mounting structure in a buckle which can securely fix a belt in use and allows easy adjustment of an effective belt length and removal of the belt. A belt winding rod freely reciprocates in a direction of fastening the belt and freely rotates at a predetermined angular range within a belt mounting hole. A bulging portion is formed along an upper end edge of the belt mounting hole in the side to which the buckle is connected. A cross-section of a main body of the belt winding rod is formed substantially in a waterdrop shape. A cross-section of each supporting axial portion of the belt winding rod is formed substantially in a shape of an isosceles triangle. When an oblique side portion of the axial portion is mounted and supported on a long side portion of a supporting hole, a tip portion of the main body is pressure contacted to a lower surface of the bulging portion via the belt.

Abstract: A laminated tape including a self-gripping sheet with hook-fastening elements, characterized by a layer of plastic foam and a layer of metal which can be attracted by a magnet and which is inserted between the layer of plastic and the self-gripping sheet.

Abstract: A clip for the purpose of fastening plastic, tarpaulins, fabric or other flexible-sheet goods to any kind of structure, appurtenance to a structure or vehicle or other construct or object, where the framing of such structure, appurtenance, or object consists of pipe, rod, or other tubular component which is most commonly round in cross-section and of metal or plastic, but other configurations and compositions are also possible. The clip allows a firm and solid connection of the flexible-sheet goods to the tubular components, in a manner which does not damage the flexible-sheet goods, and is removable and reusable.

Abstract: A positive lace zone tension isolation device and method for use with laced footwear including a base, a opposed, pivotable cam for clamping interposed laces against the underlying base and isolating the selected lace tension against migration at that point.

Abstract: A texturizing device for yarn texturing includes a yarn channel having movable components for rapidly releasing the entire yarn path. The nozzle body of the texturizing device preferably includes two parts as a glide plate and a sliding nozzle plate, in which the yarn channel is arranged in a U-shape in the slide plate and moved in relation to a flat glide plate via an articulated lever. Depending on the position of the articulated lever, the entire yarn path is fully open for threading or closed for texturing operation. A deflector may also be provided and can either be connected to moving parts or non-moving parts of the device. An air supply may be coupled with the sliding nozzle plate such that the air supply is blocked in the threading position of the articulating lever and open in the operating position of the articulating lever.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a self-lubricating foil-type material having a low frictional coefficient from a stack of an expanded-metal sheet and at least one polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) strip by compression and heating. The stack is first calendered and then the calendered stack is heated to sinter the PTFE.

Abstract: An extractor for arrowheads including a fork in a generally C-shaped configuration having two spaced parallel prongs with forwardly extending ends and with a base coupling the prongs in spaced relationship. The base is formed with a central first aperture parallel with and intermediate the prongs and with a transverse threaded second aperture coupling the primary aperture with one side face. A threaded set screw is located within the threaded aperture of the base and extends through the first aperture of the base. A handle has a bore there through. A rearward sleeve is positioned within the bore of the handle and has a central threaded bore there through. An elongated threaded rod extends through the forward sleeve and the rearward sleeve and is threadedly coupled thereto. The threaded rod is formed with a forward end located between the prongs with a threaded recess therein for threaded coupling and uncoupling with respect to a threaded portion of an arrowhead to be extracted.

Abstract: A pop rivet core punch which includes an alignment sleeve slidable mounted to an elongated punch shaft and springingly urged to extend over a core punching end of the elongated shaft while the sleeve aligns the core punching end with a center of the pop rivet and a handle end on the elongated shaft provides a mechanism for handling the punch and striking the punch with a hammer thereby forcing the spring to compress and pushing the core punching end past the sleeve and into the pop rivet center thereby removing the pop rivet core from the pop rivet, the pop rivet may then be quickly drilled and removed without damaging the surrounding material.

Abstract: A tolerancing method includes modeling positions and sizes of apertures in an assembly of parts. The parts are best-fit together. Aperture position in the parts is statistically varied. The best-fitting and statistical variations of the aperture positions are repeated for a statistically significant number of trials to create a statistical model. The size of fasteners for assembly through the mating apertures may be selected as determined in the statistical model.

Abstract: A non-woven fabric liner comprising a plurality of bonded fibers is attached to the inner surface of one of the upper and lower shells of a disk cartridge. A main body of the fabric liner lies against the inner surface of the shell and is spaced a predetermined distance from a corresponding surface of the storage media within the cartridge. A region of the fabric liner is subjected to a fuzzing process in which the bonded fibers in that region are loosened to form a region of upstanding fibers that extend from the main body of the liner to the surface of the disk. The upstanding fibers wipe the surface of the disk while the main body of the liner remains spaced from the disk, thereby reducing drag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a seamless apertured belt comprising the steps of: (a) providing a strip of material having two opposing ends and having a length at least equal to a finished belt length; (b) providing an aperture pattern having a length substantially equal to the finished belt length, the pattern including a plurality of two-dimensional geometrical shapes, the pattern having opposing end edges which can be tiled together; (c) removing a pre-determined portion of each end of the pattern and joining the pre-determined portions to one another along the opposing end edges to form a re-etch pattern; (d) forming apertures in the strip corresponding to the two-dimensional geometrical shapes in the pattern, the strip remaining free of apertures in regions near each end comprising fusion zones; (e) fusing the ends of the strip to one another such that the fusion zones form a common fusion zone; and (f) forming apertures in the common fusion zone corresponding to the re-etch pattern.

Abstract: A method for providing a cover for a flower pot consisting of a base and a skirt. The base has an upper end, a lower end and a pot receiving space. The skirt is connected to the upper end of the base and the skirt extends a distance outwardly from the base. A bonding material is disposed on the skirt. A flower pot is disposed in the pot receiving space and the portion of the skirt having the bonding material thereon is crimped to provide a bonded crimped portion in the skirt.

Abstract: The invention is a method of manufacturing a composite drum ring and a composite brake drum having a drum ring. The invention is a method of manufacturing a brake drum ring. An annular band is provided, which is formed by any suitable known method. A cast metal insert is cast in the radially inner surface of the band. Upon casting the molten metal is cooled to an initial solidification temperature to at least partially solidify the molten metal, followed by hot rolling the drum band to reduce the roundness run out of the composite drum ring. The hot rolling operation includes rotating the drum band, providing a roll forming roll and applying the roll forming roll against the radially outer surface of the rotating drum band. A feedback sensor may by provided for determining the roundness run out of the composite drum ring. The hot rolling step may include adjusting the force applied to the roll forming roll in proportion to the roundness run out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing windings into slots in laminated stators of electrical machines by producing coils on a form and transferring the coils onto an insertion tool. The insertion tool includes appropriately annularly arrayed parallel short and long insertion shafts having free ends and an axially driven insertion block fastened to the short insertion shafts. In a first phase of the insertion process, the insertion tool draws in the coils into the slots where the short insertion shafts and long insertion shafts, with their free ends, move upward from a starting position through the bore of the stator past the upper edge of the stator to a second position. In a second phase, the long insertion shafts are retracted to a third position with their free ends just above the upper edge of the stator while the insertion block and the short insertion shafts move together forward to the third position.