Abstract: Disclosed is a device for producing a safe and effective infant walking trainer and carrier garment to assist the parents with the training and care of their children. Too many articles in the care and handling of infants have been found to be a danger to the infant and in some cases have caused fatalities of infants even with very attentive parents. When we purchase an article designed for children we assume it is safe, but it has been proven that many are not. Safety in the design of devices in the field of childcare must be of the utmost importance.

Abstract: A uniquely woven braid is fashioned on the outer surfaces of various garments, such as shirts, jeans, skirts or dresses. The braided surfaces provide a function, since they allow the garment to be form fitting and stretchably conform to the size and shape of the wearer. The braid also results in an attractive and decorative clothing design. The braid is accomplished easily and simply by cutting a plurality of slits in the outer surfaces of the garment and threading the adjacent resulting loop segments which ultimately form the braid.

Abstract: This invention is an article of protective apparel having pliable, insulative panels integral to a sleeve or sleeves, with the protective panels so positioned to cover the postern of the forearm, elbow and segment of the upper arm vulnerable to conductive heat during welding operations or the like. As such the apparel provides protection from being in close proximity to heated surfaces, while providing improved movement and maintaining an appearance of a typical work shirt.

Abstract: A flexible finger system for a hockey glove. The flexible finger system includes at least one finger access hole in at least one of the fingers of the hockey glove. The flexible finger system includes an additional glove finger extending about and from each finger access hole. The additional glove finger is formed by an additional finger section attached to the sides of the glove and a finger tab extending from one of the fingers of the bottom of the glove and attached to the additional finger section. The additional finger section includes a glove section and a flexible finger section. The glove section attaches to the sides and the flexible finger section attaches to the finger tab. Wherein the attachment of the flexible finger section and the finger tab naturally forms the finger access hole to the additional glove finger.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. (2), a helmet (2) for an aircraft crew member (1) is provided with a device (10) for forming an eye-shielding curtain (11) of air in front of the crew members eyes. The air exhausts to the ambient atmosphere (9) by way of an escape path (12) beneath the lower edge of the visor (4), as indicated by arrow (13).

Abstract: A solid mesh swimming pool cover incorporates a mesh layer that has been successfully used as a porous mesh cover for several years with a thin impermeable base layer. A two-step polymer coating process seals the mesh to produce a solid safety swimming pool cover of unusual light weight and durability with an abrasion resistant bottom layer that has a low coefficient of friction to facilitate easy removal. The base layer is a plastic or resin product, such as a co-polymer resin, and the top layer is a mesh pool cover fabric, such as polypropylene. Ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors added to both coating step materials insure an extended service life. Since the mesh used for the centrally located mesh panels in the drain type solid cover of this invention uses the same mesh as the rest of the non-porous cover, it is more aesthetically pleasing since it blends in with the rest of the cover.

Abstract: A water circulation device comprising a hood consists of several water inlet holes and a larger water outlet hole; a water outlet plate with a passing hole in on the center; a revolving plate consists of several protruding stripes surrounding the center and an axis hole is on the center; a container consists of a containing chamber with a chamber hole is on the center for the revolving plate the water outlet plate to be installed inside and is covered by the hood, the containing chamber connects to a back base installed on the inner wall of the water tank, an external motor connects to an axis hole and bring said revolving plate turning, water comes in from the water inlet holes and is ejected from the water outlet hole more stronger.

Abstract: A system is provided for converting a bathtub area into an enclosed substantially waterproof shower enclosure by means of adding or modifying the shower curtain installation by providing inner closure channels at each end of the shower curtain as well as corresponding outer retention channels that are easily fixed onto opposed walls in the bathtub enclosure for sealingly receiving the side edges of the curtain in a waterproof relationship. Each end of the shower curtain is retained within a vertically disposed U-shaped inner channel having longitudinal ridges within the U-shaped channel for retention of a flexible slit grommet spline or locking rod running lengthwise. The edge of the shower curtain is inserted into the flexible spline or locking rod which is then pressed fitted into the inner U-shaped channel.

Abstract: The portable sink is capable of being connected to an existing water supply, such as an outdoor hose or faucet, such that running water can be provided inside the sink in an outdoor environment. The sink preferably has features that make it easy to use in any outdoor environment, such as folding legs, an adjustable spigot, a spray nozzle, a storage drawer, a shelf, a large drain, a funnel, a strainer for the drain, cutting boards, baskets, etc. The lid also enables the sink to be used as a container for storing items during travel. In this respect, the sink can be made of an insulating material so that it can double as an ice chest when desired. A pressurized water tank can be provided which is preferably sized to fit inside the sink and adapted to supply water where no other water supply is available.

Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow conduit having a threaded end and an overflow cap threaded at one end extending through the overflow opening in the bathtub into threaded engagement with the threaded end of the conduit. The other end of the overflow cap has a test cap portion removably connected thereto for closing off an overflow passage through the overflow cap during pressure testing of the system. The test cap portion is removable from the other end of the overflow cap upon completion of the system pressure test to open up the overflow passage through the overflow cap.

Abstract: A furniture item includes at least a pair of members defining a dimension in one direction of the item, the members of the pair being connected together by adjustable connecting elements, the arrangement and construction being such that the dimension in one direction can be adjusted by the adjustable connecting elements. The furniture item also includes a second set of members that are also connected by adjustable connecting elements in another direction. With the above arrangement, the furniture item can be adjusted both longitudinally and laterally.

Abstract: A bedding clamp for securing bedding such as a light blanket or sheet on a mattress at selected corners of a bed, which bedding clamp includes a pair of clamp members, each fitted with a clamp hinged to a clamp plate for clamping the bedding therebetween in a friction-fit and securing the bedding in place by means of a band connecting the clamp members and positioned beneath the corners of the mattress. In a preferred embodiment each clamp plate is characterized by a clamp hinged in a clamp opening in the clamp plate and shaped to define a resilient lobe to removably engage a corresponding receiver opening shaped in the clamp plate as the bedding is removably captured between the clamp and the receiver opening. The clamp members are typically connected by an elastic or resilient plastic band and may be quickly and easily manually opened and closed by means of clamp tabs to insert and remove the bedding from between the respective clamps and receiver openings.

Abstract: An air-cushioned bed assembly includes an air bed with a concave space defined in a side face thereof, a casing received in the concave space and securely connected to the side face of the air bed. The casing has a body with a U-shaped cross section, a through hole defined in a side face of the body and a cover foldably connected to a circumference defining the through hole. An air blower is detachably received in the body of the casing and has an inlet and an outlet corresponding to the through hole of the body. A securing device is securely formed in the body to selectively retain the air blower inside the casing. Activation of the air blower facilitates air flowing into the air bed via the through hole, which folds the cover.

Abstract: In the process for continuously dyeing a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yarn carpet an aqueous dyeing solution is applied to a continuously moving poly(trlmethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yarn carpet at a temperature of 45° C. to 100° C., and then the poly(trimethylene terephthalate) bulked continuous filament yam carpet is steamed, rinsed and dried. Before applying the aqueous dyeing solution the carpet is heat-set at 120 to 150° C. The carpet is steamed with saturated steam at 102 to 150° C. for 5 to 10 mm. The aqueous dyeing solution does not include an anti-frosting agent. The process also advantageously includes heating the carpet with a dry heat of 140 to 300° C. for 30 to 60 sec after steaming the carpet and before rinsing it.

Abstract: In a process for making a waterproof shoe, an upper and a waterproof lining unit with open top and bottom ends are prepared. The lining unit is placed within the upper, and the top ends of the upper and the lining unit are interconnected. A cover member is then attached to the bottom end of the upper to close the bottom end of the upper. After an outsole is attached to the bottom end of the upper, the lining unit is pulled out from the upper through the top end of the upper so that the bottom end of the lining unit moves away from the upper. The outsole is then sewn to the bottom end of the upper, thus forming a reinforcing sewing line that interconnects the outsole and the upper. Thereafter, the lining unit is re-inserted into the upper.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprising an elongated body portion and a head including a static portion and a moving portion, a handle, and an angled shaft between the head and the handle. The portion of the toothbrush containing the head is detachably connected to the portion of the toothbrush containing the handle. A shaft within the head is selectively connectable to a mating shaft within the handle by a cooperating notch and peg assembly biased into a locking position by a spring member disposed to bias the head shaft into the desired position.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided a cam mechanism and a crank mechanism in the handle. The cam mechanism comprises a cam, mounted on a rotary shaft of a motor via a frame; and a slave unit making a reciprocating movement, defined within the handle and engaged with the cam. The crank mechanism comprises a crank, mounted concentrically with the brush head; a link rod, jointed with the crank; and a block, defined within the brush body and engaged with the slave unit. Therefore, the structure of the electric toothbrush of the present invention is simplified, thus its cost can be reduced accordingly. In addition, the brush head of the present invention can be formed star shape or be inclined to improve the area of contact for super cleaning and be convenient for removing the deposit on the teeth.

Abstract: A suspension device for coupling a surface maintenance appliance to a surface maintenance machine is disclosed. The suspension device includes a carriage member movably supported upon the maintenance machine through a plurality of linkages coupled to the carriage member. Together the plurality of linkages permit the carriage and surface maintenance appliance to follow undulations in the floor surface during operation of the surface maintenance machine. An actuator engages a lost motion device to lift the carriage member away from the ground surface. A variety of different floor surface maintenance appliances may be coupled to surface maintenance vehicles according to aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: A pop-top can lip cleaner is compact in size, the cleaning element being generally “Y”-shaped, having a central portion from which an easily gripped handle extends upward and outward relative to the can top and rim, a generally horizontal inner leg portion having a lower side conforming with the top of and peripheral groove of the can, and a generally vertical depending leg portion extending downward along the outer lip of the can, the inner and vertical legs intersecting at the rim of the can. The inventive lip cleaner is provided with a disposable, pre-moistened towelette dispenser for dispensing towelettes of an appropriate size for use with the cleaning element. The handle may take the general form of a wedge, making it useful for opening the pop-top can.

Abstract: A deck or swab mop with an elongated handle and absorbent cleaning strands extends from an integrally formed body. The mop body has parallelly aligned front and rear walls and a top wall extending between the front and rear walls. An abrasive scrubber element with a downwardly extending abrasive surface extends from one of the side walls. The abrasive surface can easily and effectively be used to clean ingrained soiled areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning head of pin-contact memory card slot mainly includes a base and a sheeted cleaning element. The base is provided at a front end surface with a recess, and the cleaning element is attached to the base so as to shield the front recess. When the base is plugged in a pin-contact memory card slot just like a memory card, contact pins provided in the head of the memory card slot pierce through the cleaning element attached to the front end of the base to locate in the front recess. The cleaning element is in contact with and thereby wipes clean outer surfaces of the contact pins when the latter pierce through the cleaning element.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a dust mop having an annular frame pivotally coupled to a handle and including a cover for removable attachment to the frame and defining a lower surface covering a bottom surface of the frame and an upper surface defining first and second receiver portions for receiving first and second end portions of the frame.

Abstract: In the case of a wiper blade for cleaning glass surfaces on vehicles, and having an elongated wiper blade body which consists of a flexible rubber material and can be placed against the glass and is furnished on both its longitudinal sides with longitudinal grooves situated opposite to each other, in which a support or spring spline extending in the longitudinal direction of the wiper strip engages with part of its width, a profiled cover is mounted on and attached to the part of at least one support spline projecting beyond the wiper blade body covering this support spline.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper includes an elongate curved backbone which is of a resiliently flexible material having a Young's modulus of between 50 to 350 GPa. The backbone has a substantially spatially consolidated cross-sectional profile at substantially all points along its length, and the magnitude of the width at substantially the widest point along the backbone, Wm (expressed in millimeters) is at most (?8.89.10?5*E+0.05378)*L?5.25, where L is the total length of the backbone expressed in millimeters and E is the Young's modulus of the backbone material expressed in GPa. The invention also provides a relationship between the thickness and the length of the backbone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade for windshields, especially automobile windshields, comprising at least one support element, a support element (12), a wiper strip (14) and connecting means (16) for a wiper arm (18). The support element (12) is a long flat rod to which the wiper strip (14) and the connecting means (16) are fixed. According to the invention, the flat rod has a cross-sectional profile (40), whereby Fwf*L2/48*E*Izz<0.009 when Fwf is the pressure force exerted on the wiper blade or the pressure force for which the wiper blade was originally intended, L represents the length of the wiper blade, E stands for the elasticity module of the flat rod material and Izz is the moment of inertia of the cross-sectional profile around the z axis (perpendicular to an s axis associated with the flat rod and perpendicular to the y axis).

Abstract: A wiper blade (10) for windows, in particular of motor vehicles, is proposed that is equipped with a long, rubber-elastic wiper strip (14) that can be placed against the window (22), that is situated parallel to the longitudinal axis on a long, spring-elastic carrier element (12) to which a component (16) belonging to a device for attaching the wiper blade (10) to a driven wiper arm (18) is directly connected, whereby the carrier element (12) has springs (28, 30) designed in the shape of a strap lying in front of the window (22) in a plane that is basically parallel to the window, the bottom surfaces of the strap (13) of which face the window, the inner, adjacent longitudinal edges (32) of which have a distance between them and plunge individually into longitudinal grooves (54, 56) assigned to each longitudinal edge and open toward the longitudinal side of the wiper strip, and that are connected to each other by way of at least two transverse ribs (36) situated in the longitudinal direction with distance betw

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a solution distributor, such as a spray bar 90, which delivers cleaning solution to a floor surface. A housing 10 selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning solution from the floor. A first tank 14 for concentrated cleaning fluid and a second tank 15 for clean water supply cleaning fluid and water to a reciprocating pump 420 through first and second fluid lines 412, 410. The pump includes a piston 428, which reciprocates between first and second ends of a cylindrical bore 430. A fluid line 432 interconnects the first and second fluid lines. As the pump reciprocates, a portion of the water is drawn into the interconnecting line during a downward stroke, where it mixes with the entering cleaning solution. As the pump moves on its upward stroke, the mixture is drawn back into the water line and is pushed onward by the pump toward the spray bar with each successive downward stroke.

Abstract: An accessory tool mounting device is provided for a vacuum cleaner by means of which accessory tools can be detachably mounted on the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction device, a plurality of wheels, and exhaust portions for filtering out foreign substances contained in air drawn in by the suction device and exhausted as filtered air. The accessory tool mounting device includes wheel fender portions that extend outwardly from a main body of the vacuum cleaner, exhaust-portion forming extensions that extend outwardly from the main body and are formed adjacent to the wheel fender portions, a fastening box member an upper end of which is open and which is formed between the wheel fender portion and the exhaust-portion forming extension, and an accessory mounting member comprising a U-shaped elastic fastening end which is insertable downwardly into the fastening box member.

Abstract: An airflow indicator for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The airflow indicator comprises a housing mounted to a casing of the vacuum cleaner. A piston chamber is defined within the housing. A piston is received in the piston chamber and is movable therein between a first position and a second position. A first port is formed in the housing and communicates with the piston chamber. The first port is open to ambient. A second port is formed in the housing and communicates with the piston chamber. The second port is spaced from the first port and is open to the filter chamber of the vacuum cleaner. A valve is mounted to the housing for obstructing air passage into the piston chamber. The valve includes a diaphragm having a slit that opens in response to a predetermined pressure differential between the first port and the second port.

Abstract: A removable dust collection module (5) for use with vacuum cleaners as well as a vacuum cleaner incorporating such modules and a method of detachably securing the dust collection module (5) to a vacuum cleaner housing. The dust collection module is slidably received within a vacuum cleaner housing and comprises a latch member (81) that can move from a first position, in which it engages with the housing of the vacuum cleaner (1) to retain the dust collection module within the vacuum cleaner, to a second position out of engagement with the vacuum cleaner to allow the dust collection module to be removed. The latch member is displaceable from its first to second position by activation of a slideable release member (7) which is actuated by an end user so as to lock or unlock the dust collection module.

Abstract: A grip main portion includes supporting members disposed on both sides thereof. An assist grip can be rotated to switch between a non-operational position and an operational position projected into a compartment through the supporting members. An attaching portion of the compartment is provided with the first and second temporary attaching holes. One of the supporting members is provided with a pole protrusion passing freely through the first temporary attaching hole. The other supporting member is provided with an elastic protrusion to be engaged when inserted into the second temporary attaching hole. The elastic protrusion can be pulled out from the second temporary attaching hole when the grip main portion is rotated by a predetermined angle with the pole protrusion being pulled out from the first temporary attaching hole.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door hinge with a hinge axis includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part. The first hinge part has a first arm and a second arm axially spaced from the first arm with the hinge axis passing through the first arm and the second arm. The second hinge part includes a continuous strip of material having a first end, a second end, and a bent section between the first end and second end. The bent section is disposed between the first arm and second arm about the hinge axis. The first end has a first section and the second end has a second section. The first section and second section are parallel and fixed relative to each other.

Abstract: As from a conventional semi-hinge fixed to the frame, a complementary door fixing semi-hinge having, emerging perpendicularly from its base plate (1), a slide (3) destined to be housed in a blind hole on the door edge, a slide which is closed by its free end by means of a lid (12) and having a pair of opposite longitudinal guides (4), in which respective sets of balls have been fitted for the sliding of a runner (8), provided with complementary guides (4?) for the mentioned set of balls and which is an elbowed extension of an arm (9) finishing in the bushing (10) or hinge itself, across which this semi-hinge is articulated to the semi-hinge fixed to the frame. Complementarily, slide (3) and runner (8) define a cylindrical housing (5-5?) in which a spring (7) is housed, which in the case of the upper hinge tends to press the leaf against the frame and in the case of the lower hinge, tends to separate these components.

Abstract: An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting two pieces of material at any one of a number of possible positions. There are a number of stems attached to one plate and a number of magnets attached to another plate. Any one of the stems fits into a hole in any one of the magnets to connect the two sections of the fastener and hence the two pieces of material. Alternatively, there are a number of magnets attached to one plate and a number of magnets attached to another plate, oriented so that every one of the magnets on the first plate is attracted to every one of the magnets on the second plate.

Abstract: A casket is provided with an integral memorabilia compartment for the placement, display and storage therein of personal effects and mementos of memorialization of the deceased. In one form the casket comprises a shell, a cap pivoted to the shell, and an openable and closable memorabilia compartment forming a part of the cap. In another form the casket comprises a shell, a cap pivoted to the shell, and an openable and closable memorabilia compartment forming a part of the shell. In both forms the memorabilia compartment is so positioned and configured as to provide convenient access to mourners paying respects to the deceased for placing personal effects and mementos therein and to provide display of the personal effects and mementos placed therein for viewing by the mourners.

Abstract: Known methods involve applying a layer of particularly highly absorbent fibers such as woodpulp on a carrier nonwoven and then compacting the composite nonwoven with the aid of water entanglement. One disadvantage of the compacting method is the high woodpulp fiber loss and the associated purification of the circulating water for the entanglement device. According to the invention, a fine layer of microfibers is initially applied before applying the woodpulp fibers. The microfibers are evenly distributed on the carrier nonwoven using, for instance, a meltblown process and the woodpulp fibers are only then applied in the separating layer. The water during entanglement can no longer merge the woodpulp fibers into the carrier nonwoven due to the fact that the microfibers act as a barrier.

Abstract: Method for producing a composite non-woven fabric for the production of a hygiene product includes the steps of forming a spun-bonded non-woven fabric; compressing the spun-bonded non-woven fabric in the dry state in a continuous process after forming the spun-bonded non-woven fabric for pre-strengthening; coating the pre-strengthened spun-bonded non-woven fabric with a layer of pulp fibers; conducting a hydrodynamic water needling process to interconnect and strengthen the layer of pulp fibers and the pre-strengthened spun-bonded non-woven fabric to form a composite non-woven fabric; and then drying the composite non-woven fabric. The step of compressing the spun-bonded non-woven fabric provides only a light bonding of fibers of the spun-bonded non-woven fabric such that the pulp fibers enter into an internal bonding with fibers of the spun-bonded non-woven fabric in the hydrodynamic water needling process.

Abstract: After yarns or tows (10) have been pre-spread and placed side by side substantially in a common plane, their surface is swept by at least one jet of air (22) displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the yarns or tows so as to obtain a substantially unidirectional sheet (20) that is uniform.

Abstract: A process for producing a laminated ink-jet recording head including the steps of forming a titanium layer across a surface of a diaphragm, and forming a layer of a piezoelectric material on the titanium layer by a hydrothermal method.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining rod-shaped workpieces comprises a traveling column, to which a tool spindle rotatable about a spindle axis is fastened. The tool spindle is capable of swiveling about a swivel axis. The swivel axis is arranged perpendicularly to both the spindle axis and a longitudinal axis of the workpiece.

Abstract: A third hand stand also referred to as a tire jack for enabling a single person to position and hold the tire/wheel assembly in the proper position while replacing the tire/wheel assembly on the swing arm or frame a motorcycle. The tire jack comprises a tire support, a lever, a sleeve for connecting the tire support to the lever at a position offset from a longitudinal centerline of the tire support, wherein the tire support is oriented transverse to the lever. The tire jack is operated by positioning the tire support of the tire jack underneath the tire/wheel assembly and moving the lever such that the tire/wheel assembly is elevated and moved laterally until the tire/wheel assembly is properly aligned with the swing arm. The tire/wheel assembly is then attached to the motorcycle.

Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing vehicle bodies includes establishing a common, standardized interface system for attaching vehicle bodies to vehicle chassis wherein connection components are arranged in a predetermined spatial relationship on the bodies and chassis to facilitate selective attachment of any of a plurality of different body types to the chassis. A plurality of different bodies are designed and manufactured having different body types and configured to conform to the standardized interface system for attachment to chassis which also conform to the standardized interface system. The vehicle bodies can be produced independently of the chassis. Eliminating the chassis and its hardware from the body manufacturing process can reduce current vehicle manufacturing plant sizes and system complexity. The result is an enabler to produce many vehicle bodies that can be distributed directly to dealers, customers, etc. either with or without a specified rolling platform.

Abstract: A method of assembling a part to a workpiece with a combination tool supported on a robot, where a mounting surface of the part is assembled on a target surface of the workpiece including the following steps. (a) Indexing to the assembly position. (b) Picking a part with the part gripper on the part delivery arm from a part supply station. (c) Indexing part delivery and workpiece preparation arms to the preparation position. (d) Simultaneously: engaging the part mounting surface with the part surface preparation module; and engaging the workpiece target surface preparation module with the target surface. (e) Indexing to the assembly position. (f) Using the previously set tool operating axis and calculated tool offsets, engaging the prepared part mounting surface with the prepared workpiece target surface. (g) Releasing the part gripper and withdrawing the tool from the part/workpiece assembly.

Abstract: Several embodiments of resilient slider members and methods of assembling such slider members onto interlocking fastening strips are disclosed herein. The slider member (200) comprises a pair of spaced-apart side walls (210, 230) and an intermediate body portion (250) therebetween. In addition, each side wall includes an interior surface (215) with an inwardly projecting shoulder (216) formed thereon, an exterior surface (217), and opposed end surfaces (218).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing nails from a tape is provided. The apparatus comprises a guide that directs a path of movement of the tape through the apparatus. The guide has a transition end over which the tape passes as the tape moves through the apparatus. The guide transition end is adapted to form a bend in the tape thereby exposing a head of the nail from the tape as the tape passes over the guide transition end. The apparatus further comprises a claw that is adapted to engage the nail head as the nail head is exposed when the tape passes over the guide transition end.

Abstract: Using a cutting device (10) including a rotor (11) with a principal plane, a spindle (13) provided in a normal direction to the principal plane and at least one impacting body (100) mounted on the spindle rotatably, in which the impacting body is mounted so that a predetermined fitting gap is provided between the impacting body and the spindle and a part of a periphery of the impacting body can be positioned beyond a periphery of the rotor, the rotor is rotated at a high speed so as to allow the impacting body to impact on at least a heat exchanger of an air conditioner at least at a critical impact velocity. The heat exchanger is cut while a top layer of an impact portion being smashed. It is possible to disassemble an air conditioner efficiently using a cutting device having a simple configuration and a long lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of joining a sheet metal part to a metal tube to form an assembly. In an overlapping configuration, the parts are held together under a clamping force while a self-piercing rivet is driven through the assembly by a welding electrode. The rivet pierces and passes through the sheet metal part and then through at least substantial portion of the metal tube to thereby form a mechanical interlock. An electrical current is then applied to this mechanical retention to melt a portion of the rivet as well as a portion of the metal surrounding the joining region. The flow of electrical current is then stopped after several welding cycles where the now melted material is allowed to solidify upon cooling, thereby forming a weld.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a sleeve on a spindle includes a frame, and a finger arrangement movably mounted on the frame, the finger arrangement including a plurality of fingers arranged at a common first radius around an imaginary centerline of the finger arrangement, the fingers being movable radially outwardly from the first radius to a second radius upon application of an outwardly directed force. A sleeve having an internal opening in which the fingers are disposed is adapted to be mounted on a stationary spindle by movement of the finger arrangement on the frame toward the spindle. A method for mounting a sleeve on a spindle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a punched headliner 20 adapted to be installed in a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes placing a flange element 32 within a punch tool 12, the punch tool 12 comprising a punching component 14 and a mating component 16. The flange element 32 is placed abutting the mating component 16. A headliner blank 18 is placed within the punch tool 12 between the punching component 14 and the flange element 32. A punching edge 22, positioned on the punching component 14, is moved towards the mating component 16. The headliner blank 18 is thereby pressed between the punching edge 22 and the flange element 32. The punching edge 22 is pressed into contact with the flange element 32 such that a shearing edge 54 is formed on the headliner blank 18 and a waste component 46 is separated from the headliner blank 18.

Abstract: A method of attaching a head rest guide tube to a seat back frame having an aperture extending therethrough includes inserting the guide tube into the aperture, and swaging the guide tube to form a swaged portion engaged with the seat back frame to thereby secure the guide tube to the seat back frame.