Abstract: A reservoir assembly for a vehicle hydraulic braking system includes two chambers (2, 3) for the storage of hydraulic fluid. The reservoir assembly is provided with a structure for increasing the effective volume of one of the chambers (2), for example a bellows (12) or a bucket (30), and which may be operable in conjunction with the fitting of a filler cap (17) to seal a filler opening (5) for that chamber. This enables a volume of fluid to be accommodated in a chamber of increased volume, thereby substantially eliminating the possibility of volume in excess of a given volume from overflowing from the chamber (2, 3). When the reservoir assembly is installed in a vehicle braking system of a brake-by-wire electro-hydraulic type (EMB) having a first power circuit (51), and a second back-up hydrostatic circuit (60), the one chamber (2) supplies fluid to the hydrostatic circuit, and the other chamber (3) supplies fluid to the power circuit.

Abstract: A turbocharger for internal combustion engines having a valve mount cast or machined integral with the compressor housing and disposed along a compressor housing outside surface, the valve including a first air port in communication, through a restriction orifice, with the compressor volute and at least one of a second air port in communication with the first port, and a third port in communication with the compressor air intake. The mount includes attachments for a solenoid valve to the valve mount and a means for forming a leak-tight seal between the solenoid valve and the second and third air ports. A control system for actuating the solenoid allows venting of pressure from the second air port to the third air port for application in controlling a wastegate actuator or disengaging the wategate actuator by venting pressure from the first port to the second port.

Abstract: A system and method for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in a heavy-duty diesel engine is disclosed. The disclosed EGR system comprises an EGR conduit, an EGR valve, an EGR cooler, and an EGR driver such as an auxiliary compressor driven by the exhaust gas driven turbine of the engine to forcibly drive the recirculated exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold via an EGR conduit to the intake manifold when the EGR valve is open. The disclosed EGR system also includes an EGR bypass conduit, the flow through which is governed by an electronically controlled EGR bypass valve. The EGR system also includes an ECM that controls the EGR bypass valve such that a flow of exhaust gas is directed through the EGR conduit and EGR driver during selected engine operating conditions where the primary EGR valve is open (i.e. EGR is on) and directs a flow of air from the intake through the EGR bypass conduit and EGR driver when EGR valve is closed (i.e. EGR is off).

Abstract: Past air intake systems have failed to effectively and efficiently utilize the arrangement of structural components to increase boost at low engine speeds. The present air intake system effectively and efficiently utilizes the arrangement of structural components to increase boost at low engine speeds. The air intake system directs intake air through a turbocharger and evaluates the quantity of flow of intake air to the engine as compared to the flow of fuel. And, depending on the results of the evaluation, a directional control valve directs the flow of intake air to a supercharger or to the engine. The supercharger is driven by a motor having a variable rate of speed as compared to the engine.

Abstract: Charge air systems may include a small electric motor-driven compressor for supplying charge air to four-cycle internal combustion engines, including systems with turbocharger charge air compressors in series and parallel connection. The disclosed charge air systems can provide an effective charge air flow path to the internal combustion engine and avoids air flow restrictions at high engine operating speeds.

Abstract: This invention is an external combustion engine that operates on an open or closed hot air cycle with isothermal compression of ambient temperature fluid; heat is added at constant volume; and the fluid is expanded to near ambient pressure. The engine has a compressor, heater, multiple heat exchanging chambers, and an expander. The heat, originating in a heater, is moved by fluid flow through a plurality of heat exchanging chambers in sequence, one heat exchanging chamber at a time. The heating circuit can be operated open or closed cycle. The more heat exchanging chambers, the more time for the heat exchanger in the heat exchanging chamber to heat up.

Abstract: Multi-hole film cooling of combustor liners is enhanced by providing clustered groups of cooling holes in areas of the liners that would otherwise experience a loss of cooling film effectiveness. The combustor liner is made up of a shell having first and second groups of cooling holes formed therein. The cooling holes of the second group are more closely spaced than the cooling holes of the first group. The second group of cooling holes is located on an area of the shell where the cooling film effectiveness is degraded. Preferred locations include a region of the shell that is subjected to swirl impingement and a spot immediately downstream of a large opening in the shell such as a dilution hole, a borescope hole or an igniter port hole.

Abstract: The temperature of a thermo-electric cooler that is used to cool a laser is effectively controlled using a monitor which accurately and continuously measures the temperature of the thermo-electric cooler and using apparatus that determines the difference between the measured temperature and a desired thermo-electric cooler temperature. A discriminator circuit causes the thermo-electric cooler to enter (a) a heating cycle when such difference is below a first reference level or (b) a cooling cycle when such difference reaches a reaches a second reference level. Power consumption within the associated cooling/heating system is also accurately controlled using a pulse width modulated power supply to provide the voltage signal that drives the thermoelectric cooler.

Abstract: A compact, modular, cryocooler is provided for use in relatively small-scale applications, i.e., applications requiring less than approximately 10 Watts of cooling capacity at about 10 degrees K or less. The cryocooler 10 utilizes a recuperative heat exchanger integrally combined with a floating piston expander having a piston adapted for periodic movement within an expansion cylinder. The piston is actuatable without an external drive mechanism, but rather by selective operation of processor controlled “smart”, variable current pulse valves which serve to alternately couple working fluid and ballast fluid to opposite ends of the cylinder. The valves are actuated in response to output signals generated by a non-invasive inductive sensor, which detects the position of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a freezer compartment is provided with a Stirling cycle refrigeration system including a displacer located within the freezer compartment and an external compressor which is fluidly coupled to the displacer. An electronic controller is provided to adjust a time phase relationship between the compressor and the displacer to establish a first phase condition for cooling of the freezer compartment and a second phase condition for establishing a defrost cycle for the refrigerator. The electronic controller is responsive to operator control inputs and sensor inputs. The phase relationship between the compressor and displacer is changed by substantially 180° from the first phase condition to the second phase condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for economically storing and transporting coal mine methane gas is presented. The apparatus utilizes converted propane tankers. Standard propane tankers are filled with activated carbon or commercial carbons with a high volumetric methane adsorption capacity. The methane gas is compressed by a smaller compressor at the well and loaded into the converted tanker. At least three converted tankers are utilized in this method, one being loaded at the well, one discharging its methane gas at the end-user, and one being transported in between the well and the end-user. The truck used to transport the converted tankers has a bi-fuel system adding to the economy of the method and apparatus. Utilizing this apparatus and method of storage and transportation will reduce greenhouse emissions from the mine and from the power plants, and will provide the owner and operator with numerous tax credits and clean air incentives.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage device is disclosed having a tank with an open top and a wall which defines an interior chamber adapted to receive biological specimens. A fluid reservoir is disposed around at least a portion of the wall on an outer surface of the wall and this fluid reservoir receives a liquefied gaseous material, such as liquid nitrogen. The source of the liquid gaseous material is fluidly connected through a valve to the reservoir to maintain the level of the liquefied gaseous material between preset limits in the reservoir thus cooling the interior of the interior chamber and any biological specimens contained within the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A secondary loop refrigeration system includes plural refrigeration zones serially connected in a secondary cooling loop using a liquid refrigerant in increasing order of operating temperatures, the secondary cooling loop being in heat exchange relationship with a primary cooling loop using direct expansion refrigerants. The primary cooling loop may be selectively isolated allowing the latent heat of the units in the zones to increase the circulating temperature of the secondary refrigerant sufficient to defrost the cooling coils.

Abstract: Redundant humidity control mechanisms are provided for electronic systems which are cooled to temperatures below the dew point temperature of the ambient environment in which the systems are present. In particular, system environment is controlled in an overall fashion by providing a thermally insulating and substantially sealed enclosure for containing both air coolable and refrigerant coolable components. Humidity control and cooling are both provided in a redundant fashion to ensure reliability of service and availability of the components which are being cooled. Both desiccant-based and refrigeration-based humidity control mechanisms are provided. The present invention also includes embodiments in which multiple heat exchange fluids are employed.

Abstract: This invention provides an air conditioning system and operation method, having superior dehumidification ability and flexibly adaptable for processing a variety of conditioning loads, and also energy conserving. The invention comprises: a desiccant 103 for adsorbing moisture from process air; and a heat pump 200, including a compressor 260, that operates by using process air as a low-temperature heat source 240 and regeneration air as a high-temperature heat source 220 so as to supply heat to regeneration air for regenerating the desiccant. Processes of heat transfer in a sensible heat exchanger are made adjustable, for exchanging heat between post-desiccant process air that has not flowed into the low temperature heat source heat exchanger and pre-desiccant regeneration air that has not yet regenerated the desiccant.

Abstract: A method for the automated detection of leaks between the high and low-pressure sides of a refrigeration system is provided. A large pressure difference is created between the high pressure side and low-pressure side. By measuring and comparing system pressures at different times, the operational condition of valves which connect the high pressure side to the low-pressure side is accurately determined. By accurately determining that these valves are operating correctly, and in particular that no leaks exist in the valves, reports of false failures are prevented, while the reduction in the refrigeration system's capacity to heat or cool is prevented.

Abstract: A spray cooling system for semiconductor devices. An ink-jet type spray device sprays droplets of a cooling fluid onto the semiconductor devices. The devices vaporize the liquid, which gets passed through a roil bond panel, or other heat exchanger, and is pumped into a spring loaded reservoir that feeds the spray device.

Abstract: A refrigerated device having a cooled enclosure and an evaporator through which refrigerant is circulated. An air temperature sensor adapted to generate an air temperature signal indicative of air temperature within the enclosure is provided. A refrigerant temperature sensor adapted to generate a refrigerant temperature signal indicative of refrigerant temperature is provided. A programmable controller adapted to compare the air temperature signal and the refrigerant temperature signal to calculate a difference between the air temperature and the refrigerant temperature is provided. The controller initiates a defrost routine for removing condensate from the evaporator if the difference between the air temperature and the refrigerant temperature is greater or equal to a defrost threshold. Also disclosed are methods for defrosting a refrigerated device and for detecting condensate accumulation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an air conditioning unit includes means for supplying electrical power to electrically operated components within the unit. The unit includes a control device for controlling the delivery of electrical power from the supply so as to selectively energize the electrically operated components. An electrical supply socket of the type suitable for receiving a household appliance power cord plug is provided. A timer device is configured to receive electrical power from the electrical power supply. The timer is operable to be set to an “on” condition at selected time and an “off” condition at another selected time. An electrical circuit interconnects the control and the timer such that when the timer is in its “on” condition, electrical power to the electrically operated components is controlled by the control.

Abstract: A travel coach having a passenger and a driver section separated from a cargo area by a floor. The cargo area is divided into bays serviced by large bay doors. An air conditioning system is mounted in the cargo area and includes two electrically driven compressors mounted in one bay and a condenser unit mounted in a neighboring bay. The condenser unit contains a first heat exchanger circuit for servicing a pair of evaporators units and a second heat exchanger circuit for servicing at least one other evaporator unit. The evaporator units are mounted in existing ductwork located beneath the floor of the coach and provide cooling to the passenger and driver sections of the coach. Refrigerant from the evaporators is returned to the compressors to complete the two refrigerant cycles.

Abstract: A thermal control method and apparatus flows refrigerant of a vapor compression system through a plate of an avionics pod so as to provide a compact and efficient cooling technique for aircraft performing a variety of missions. The plate can serve as an evaporator in a heat pump loop or a heat exchanger in a pumped coolant loop. As a result, the same components can be used for convection cooling and compressor-assisted cooling. At lower temperatures, the pump is operational whereas under less favorable conditions the compressor is operable. A bypass can be provided to provide thermal control where ambient temperature is excessively low. A water boiler can also be utilized when, for short periods, the ambient temperature is higher than the desired temperature for the electronics package.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an arrangement is provided for mounting compressors on the basepan of an air conditioner which is adapted to use one of two different types of compressors. Each of the compressors is adapted to be mounted in substantially the same region of the basepan. The mounting arrangement includes a first set of compressor mounts attached to the basepan in a mounting region. A second set of compressor mounts is also attached to the basepan in at least a portion of a common section of the mounting region. A first mounting plate is attached to a first compressor which is adapted to be operatively attached to the first set of compressor mounts. The first mounting plate has a lower wall which does not overly any of the second set of compressor mounts. A second mounting plate is attached to the second of the two compressors and is adapted to be operatively attached to the second set of compressor mounts.

Abstract: A motor vehicle dehumidifier, including a dehumidifying drying agent, that can provide a required dehumidifying capacity with a reduced overall quantity of drying agent compared to conventional drying agent-based dehumidifiers. In the present invention, a heat exchanger is disposed on an upstream side of a drying agent unit, and heat is exchanged in the heat exchanger between inside air to be dehumidified and low-temperature outside air used to cool the inside air. The air cooled by the heat exchanger flows into the drying agent unit and is dehumidified. Because the air has an increased relative humidity as a result of being cooled, the amount of water adsorbed from it per unit of drying agent is increased, as the water adsorption characteristic of the drying agent is greatly influenced by the relative humidity of the air passing over it, and is markedly improved by an increase in the relative humidity of that air.

Abstract: An ice cream making apparatus and an agitator for the same. The agitator includes top and bottom ends, and a shaft defining an axis through top and bottom ends thereof. A pair of first left and right arms are mounted on the shaft adjacent to the top end. A pair of second left and right arms are mounted on the shaft adjacent to the bottom end. A first left wing extends downwardly from a bottom side of the second left arm in a direction substantially parallel to the axis, and a first right wing extends downwardly from a bottom side of the second right arm, and is inclined at an angle relative to the axis. Diametrically opposed third left and right arms interconnect the first and second left arms and the first and second right arms, respectively. A pair of second left and right wings extend inclinedly from the third left and right arms, respectively.

Abstract: An ice cube making evaporator design comprising an aluminum roll-bond evaporator plate (50) which is encased in a plastic grid (59) of vertical and horizontal ridges, thereby forming an array of freezing sites (28) on both sides of the plate. Plastic grids (59) are attached to each other using thermal staking, adhesives or welding so that the plate (50) is securely sandwiched between the two plastic grids (59).

Abstract: A screw compressor in a refrigeration chiller includes one or more baffles disposed in the compressor housing so as to intercept and redirect oil which may flow and/or be blown, under certain operating conditions, in an upstream direction against the stream of suction gas that flows into the compressor from the evaporator. The baffles cause oil to be retained in the compressor rather than being blown back to the system evaporator to ensure that sufficient oil is available to the compressor under all operating conditions and eliminates the need for structure/apparatus in the evaporator dedicated to returning such oil to the compressor.

Abstract: An adsorbent unit including a porous container, adsorbent in the container, at least one tab extending outwardly from the container, side edges on the tab, and concave indentations in the side edges. The tab can have an aperture therein for mounting the tab on the filter body of a return bend of an accumulator. Another embodiment of the adsorbent unit can include two tabs extending outwardly from the opposite ends of the container, rigid outer ends on the tabs, and concave indentations in the sides of the tabs between the outer ends of the tabs and the adsorbent container. In use, the concave indentations of the various tabs receive the spaced pipes of a return bend pipe utilized in a refrigerant accumulator.

Abstract: Each of the water dispense pipes 46 in a dual pipe unit has nozzle 46a in an area starting just before the evaporating/absorbing compartment 43 and extending to its distal end. The nozzle 46a is a means by which the portion of the circulation pipe that is located upstream of the nozzle and which is exposed to elevated temperature is isolated from the evaporating/absorbing compartment filled with a low-temperature and pressure atmosphere. As a result, the streams of refrigerant water coming from the distributor 45 are suppressed by the nozzles at the distal ends of the individual water dispense pipes so that the liquid pressure becomes uniform among those distal ends, from which the refrigerant water is dispensed into the evaporating/absorbing compartment at a generally uniform pressure.

Abstract: A used fluid passes through an exchange path, located in a fluid flow transfer, before returning to use at a required temperature. In the transfer path the exchange path is set between the evaporator and the condenser of a refrigerating circuit. The refrigerating circuit is actuated only when the temperature of the transfer fluid, consisting for example of ambient air, is unsuitable for properly modifying the used fluid temperature by means of the exchange path. The used fluid can be heated by simply reversing the direction of the flow in the transfer path. The invention is useful for rearranging exchange paths into a single transfer path, for example in a single bundle of tubes arranged in several tube layers of suitably connected tubes.

Abstract: A system for effectively generating refrigeration for use in putting a product fluid into an ultra cold condition wherein an active magnetic regenerator or a multicomponent refrigerant fluid cycle is integrated with a pulse tube system for receiving heat generated by the pulse tube system.

Abstract: A natural gas purification system which can produce both fuel and high purity hydrocarbon product such as high purity methane or high purity natural gas wherein high temperature carbon dioxide removal is followed by cryogenic rectification to produce fuel and high purity hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: Liquid nitrogen producing apparatus and method. Solar energy is used to heat liquid mercury which expands and applies pressure to an incompressible fluid which in turn drives a piston in a compression stroke. Air is pressurized and in an appropriate use device liquid nitrogen is obtained. Some of the liquid nitrogen is directed back to the reservoir of liquid mercury. The very cold liquid nitrogen causes the liquid mercury to contract which in turn moves the piston in a suction stroke to draw in make-up air.

Abstract: A plant for separation of a gas mixture comprises at least two columns which are of the same length. The tops of two of the columns are at the same height.

Abstract: A twin-heart commemorative coin comprising a coin body with a twin-heart shaped opening at the center, a connecting element with two fixing holes extended from the coin body to the opening. Two heart-shaped components of the same shape and structure, having a recess with a column and a hole at the recess. The two heart-shaped components can be overlapped at the twin-heart opening in a manner that the recesses are aligned with the connecting element so that the respective columns pass through the fixing holes at the connecting element for fitting to the respective holes of the other component to form a twin-heart commemorative coin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow cone having an open side and a cone tip. The method utilizing the steps of introducing a viscous material in a first mold portion, introducing a second mold portion and contacting the viscous material therewith, providing a force in an escape space so as to prevent the viscous material from flowing into the escape space, forming the open side of the hollow cone while preventing the viscous material from entering the escape space and causing the viscous material to enter the escape space to form the cone tip.

Abstract: A method of rendering fused silica resistant to compaction caused by UV laser beam irradiation. The method of the invention results in a fused silica member that is desensitized to compaction caused by the long-term exposure to UV laser beams. The invention includes a means to pre-compact fused silica members using high energy radiation.

Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating a machined glass surface for improving the adhesive attachment of an optical fiber to this surface, characterized in that machined surface is attacked by an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid, then the attacked surface is treated with a bifunctional hydrolyzable silane adhesion promoter or the product of its hydrolysis and partial condensation.

Abstract: A circular stocking knitting machine, in which, in addition to the knitting cams, two ascent and descent cams alternating depending on the direction of rotation are provided for the knitting operations with reciprocating motion. Two selection units, which select the needles during a same forward stroke of the cylinder, are additionally provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of joining several knit parts on flat knitting machines. In accordance with the invention several knit parts are produced in sequence or in different areas of the flat knitting machine simultaneously and subsequently joined to each other on differing needle beds by simple attachment knitting or other joining technique for joining loops. When producing two knit parts on a needle bed it is necessary to transfer one knit part to an auxiliary needle bed or a further needle bed and to laterally displace this needle bed so that the desired joining portions may be knitted to each other.

Abstract: A secure storage locker for temporarily storing golf bags having clubs. The locker includes a base having a recess for receiving the bottom end of a golf bag having the heads of the golf clubs extending above the top end of the bag. A bonnet is slidingly and/or hingedly connected to the base and has a cavity for covering the club heads. Locking means are provided for locking the bonnet to the base.

Abstract: A lock with a fastening cable includes a locking unit with a cable having a passage defined in the locking unit and a key operated lock received in the passage. The key operated lock includes a circular transmission block with the key operated lock in contact with one side and two stubs extending from the other side. These two stubs are on opposite ends of a diameter of a face of the transmission block. A latch connects to the key operated lock. The latch includes a first locking plate and a second locking plate abutting each other. The first locking plate includes a first end having a first bracket extending out therefrom and is moved transversely by the stub, and a second end having a first engagement hook extending out therefrom. The first engagement hook and the first locking plate are in the same plane. The second locking plate includes a first end having a second bracket extending out therefrom and moved transversely by the stub, and a second end having a second engagement hook extending out therefrom.

Abstract: The panic exit device includes several features which improve its ease of use and operability over earlier devices including: (1) an improved latch deadlocking mechanism; (2) an improved latch to pad mechanism; (3) a pad lock down feature; (4) an improved universal mounting plate and easily mounted strike; and (5) a vertical rod-bottom bolt deadlocking mechanism in its center case. The latch deadlocking mechanism includes a deadlock link, which in the event of a fire, will block the movement of the latch bolt.

Abstract: A lockout device to prevent tampering with the manually set position of a valve or regulator or other device having a rotatable shaft for adjusting, for example, the flow of fluid through the device, from a position initially set to some other position. The lockout device is usable with a wide range of standard valves and regulators which have a drive stem and includes a drive gear that engages the drive stem and includes a drive gear that engages the drive stem and a key locking device mounted in a generally cylindrical handle of the lockout device and being selectively movable from a first position in which the handle free-wheels relative to the drive stem of the valve so as to prevent unauthorized moving of the rotational position of the valve stem by any person not having a key to an engaging position in which the handle is locked to the drive stem to permit ordinary rotational movement and setting of the valve stem position.

Abstract: A torque isolation system includes a handle and a torque isolator that is moveable between a first position, wherein the torque isolator transmits either of two possible directions of torque from the handle to a rotatable regulator stem, and a second position, wherein the torque isolator transmits only one or neither of the two possible directions of torque from the handle to the regulator stem. The torque isolation system also includes a lock securing the torque isolator in a selected position. The second position may be either a decoupled position, wherein the torque isolator transmits neither of the two possible directions of torque from the handle to the regulator stem, or a ratchet position, wherein the torque isolator does not transmit a first direction of torque from the handle to the regulator stem, but the torque isolator does transmit a second direction of torque from the handle to the regulator stem.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus comprises a high pressure accumulator for sucking pressure oil supplied to a relief chamber of a relief valve to make changeover for the relief valve from a valve-closed state to a valve-open state when a forming load is applied to the pressure oil charged in a pressure chamber and the hydraulic pressure of the pressure oil arrives at a relief preset pressure, and a low pressure accumulator for sucking the pressure oil charged in the pressure chamber via the relief valve which is in the valve-open state.

Abstract: The value of the rolling torque is measured at each frame through which a metal product passes, and the measurement is performed at the moment when said product reaches the following frame, at which point the frame at which the measurement is performed is switched over to torque regulation. The last frame reached by the product remains in speed regulation and it acts as a controlling frame for all other frames situated upstream therefrom so as to enable them to conserve torque equal to their respective reference torques by adapting their speeds. Once the reference torque measurements have been stored in the control system, regulation is obtained by making use of a distribution key for the stresses between the frames.

Abstract: A sheet metal processing apparatus comprises a stretcher-leveler and a surface conditioner in combination. The stretcher leveler has an input end, an output end, and a stretching mechanism between the input and output ends. The input end of the stretcher-leveler is adapted to receive at least a portion of a metal sheet to be processed. The stretching mechanism has a plurality of gripping members. The gripping members are adapted for gripping the metal sheet and stretching the portion of the metal sheet between the gripping members past its yield point to eliminate internal residual stresses therein. The stretcher-leveler is adapted to then discharge the stretched portion of the metal sheet from the output end of the stretcher-leveler. A surface conditioner is positioned adjacent the output end of the stretcher-leveler. The surface conditioner is adapted to receive the portion of the metal sheet discharged from the output end of the stretcher-leveler.

Abstract: Cathode cans for use in air depolarized cells, and cells made with such cans. The side wall is stronger than the bottom wall, and has a smoother outwardly-disposed surface than the respective bottom wall surface. Strength, and thus hardness, of the side wall relates to strength, and thus hardness, of the bottom wall, as hardness of 130-185 relates to hardness of 93-117, on the Vickers scale. Preferred hardness of the side wall is about 130 to 185; and of the bottom wall is about 93 to 117. The side wall is drawn, and an outwardly-disposed surface of the side wall is ironed. As ironed, the surface finish is related to surface finish of the bottom wall, at the same stage, as surface finish RA of less than 2, preferably about 0.5 to about 1.5, microinches, is related to surface finish RA of about 2 to about 5, preferably about 2.5 to about 4.5, microinches. Thickness of the side wall is generally up to about 85 percent as great as thickness of the bottom wall.

Abstract: In a flow-forming method, an axially symmetrical first workpiece is fixed on a spinning mandrel, which together with the workpiece is rotated. At least one spinning roll is infed. The workpiece is formed and shaped while on an axially extending external profile of the spinning mandrel. A spacer is mounted on this spinning mandrel. A marginal area of the workpiece is shaped on an area of the spacer, the latter being plastically deformed during the shaping of the marginal area of the workpiece. Also, a flow-forming apparatus has a spinning mandrel on which a workpiece can be fixed, a drive by which the spinning mandrel and workpiece can be rotated together, and at least one spinning roll for shaping the workpiece in a forming area. The deformable spacer has an overlap area. During workpiece shaping, the overlap area at least partly overlaps with the forming area of the workpiece.