Abstract: Mowing blades which include a one-piece member having a drive mechanism coupling section, a deformation section and a cutting section. When the mowing blades receive a particular load from an obstructing object, the deformation section deforms, dissipates energy and reduces damage to drive mechanisms of mowing machines.

Abstract: A fruit harvester may include a vehicle, a telescoping boom, a shaker head connected to the distal end of the telescoping boom for vibrating a tree to shake fruit from the tree. A boom positioning assembly is provided for connecting the boom to the vehicle. The boom positioning assembly may include a vertical guide mounted to the vehicle, a hinge joint assembly movable vertically along the vertical guide and connected to the proximal end of the telescoping boom to permit pivotal movement of the telescoping boom in both elevational and azimuthal directions. The boom positioning assembly may also include a vertical actuator for moving the hinge joint assembly vertically along the at least one vertical guide, and an elevational actuator for pivotally moving the telescoping boom in the elevational direction. The vertical guide may be pivotally mounted to the vehicle, and a tilt actuator may be provided for tilting the vertical guide relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supercharged open cycle gas turbine engine comprising a core engine for generating shaft power output, a supercharger for increasing the pressure of intake air of the core engine, said supercharger includes a rotary ram-in compressor and a turbine driven by gases discharged from the core engine and having variable-area nozzle assembly; operator controlled means for elective bleeding of variable part of the exhaust gases discharged from the core engine and supplied to the supercharger turbine; at least one pressure sensor for detecting the degree of rise in the pressure of air supplied by the supercharger's compressor; and means for adjusting both the area of the nozzles of the supercharger's turbine and the rate of fuel supply to the core engine according to the detected degree of rise in the pressure of supplied air.

Abstract: The mister includes a plurality of manifolds extending between opposite sides of a duct. Each manifold carries a plurality of nozzles at laterally spaced positions along the length of the manifold. The manifolds are spaced one behind the other in the direction of air flow in the duct and the pipes connecting the nozzles of the intermediate and upstream manifolds bypass the downstream manifolds to provide the nozzles in a common plane perpendicular to the direction of air flow in the duct. This arrangement affords a uniformity of spray and, hence, a uniformity of humidified air to the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a propulsion device comprising a gas ejection nozzle and an injection chamber for injecting at least one propellant fluid. According to the invention, the device has an induction loop which surrounds a zone of the nozzle and also an electricity generator to feed said induction loop, in particular under drive from a heat engine whose heat source is a nuclear core and whose heat sink is a cryogenic liquid which is subsequently used for propulsion.

Abstract: This object is achieved by the bleed-off means comprising means for tapping air from the primary duct which are arranged upstream of the intermediate casing and means for evacuating the air tapped into the secondary duct downstream of the support arms, these means comprising conduits arranged around the intermediate casing under the platforms.

Abstract: A jet engine nozzle having a pair of pivoting extension arms and a pair of pivoting shells connected to a jet pipe is provided. The first extension arm is pivotally connected to the jet pipe at a first location, while the second extension arm is pivotally connected to the jet pipe at a second location. Each shell is pivotally connected at both the first and second locations. An axis of rotation associated with the first location is coaxial to an axis of rotation associated with the second location. Independent actuation means are provided to rotate the extension arms and the shells, thereby enabling adjustment of the thrust-vector angle or the exhaust area of the nozzle.

Abstract: Exhaust gas amitted from a diesel engine flows through a ceramic soot filter in which particles contained in the exhaust are deposited and oxidized to regenerate the filter. The filter is regenerated by non-thermal, electric surface creeping discharge on filter surfaces covered with particles. In addition, nitrogen oxides may be reduced by selective catalytic reduction. The system is designed to ensure operation reliability and environmental compatibility.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, at least some of which may be selectively deactivated to provide variable displacement operation, including temperature management of at least one engine/vehicle component by monitoring the temperature of the component and controlling activation of at least one cylinder to control the temperature of the component. In one embodiment, the engine/vehicle component is an emission control device, such as a catalytic converter.

Abstract: A method for removing nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from the lean exhaust gas of a combustion engine that also contains low concentrations of sulfur oxides. The exhaust gas stream is passed over a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst and a particulate filter, where nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are adsorbed by the storage catalyst under lean exhaust gas conditions and the particulate matter is deposited on the particulate filter. The storage catalyst is in a first cycle is periodically denitrated by enriching the exhaust gas regeneration of the particulate filter. Desulfurization of the nitrogen oxide storage catalyst is carried out in a second cycle by raising the temperature of the lean exhaust gas to a value at which the particulate matter combustion on the particulate filter is initiated and then the storage catalyst can be desulfurized by enriching the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing NOx from an exhaust stream of a lean-burn engine during an engine cold start are provided. The apparatus includes a close-coupled LNT coupled to a main LNT by a hollow conduit. NOx from the cold exhaust is initially stored on the close-coupled LNT. As the engine exhaust warms up, the close-coupled LNT reaches its operating temperature and reduces the stored NOx to N2. When the temperature of the close-coupled LNT reaches approximately 350° C., NOx is released from the close-coupled LNT, is absorbed on the main LNT, and is converted to N2 during fuel-rich conditions, The close-coupled LNT can be regenerated after the engine is turned off by providing heat. The released NOx during the regeneration of the closed-coupled LNT is absorbed by the main LNT. The stored NOx on the main LNT can be reduced to N2 during the next vehicle operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hydraulic control arrangement for damping driving vibrations of a mobile machine, comprising a lifting cylinder supporting a working tool whose cylinder chambers can be connected to a fluid source or a tank via a control valve arrangement. The hydraulic control arrangement has a damping valve arrangement including a control valve in which a check valve is integrated through which a bottom-side chamber of the lifting cylinder is connectable to a hydraulic accumulator. In the pressure control function the accumulator can be connected to a tank so that the accumulator pressure is restricted to a maximum value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulically powered arm system with a hydraulic circuit, which hydraulic circuit (L) comprises a pressure source (6) and a lifting cylinder (1) arranged to an arm which is intended for handling a tool, said hydraulic circuit (L) comprising a partial circuit (45A, 45B), which can be connected into communication with said pressure cource (6) by means of a first valve element (44) and said lifting cyliner (1) by means of a second valve element (43), characterised in that said partial circuit (45A, 45B) comprises a pressure reducing/relieving unit (4) whichis arranged between said valve elements (43, 44), and that said pressure reducing/relieving unit (4) is controlled by a pressure controlling unit (62A) in order to facilitate float control of the tool attached to the arm system, whereby a controlled ground pressure is obtained during the a floating motion.

Abstract: An invented fluidic (hydraulic/pneumatic) actuation system is described wherein bidirectional, hydraulic/pneumatically driven elements of multiple components in a common hydraulic/pneumatic circuit inherently provide increases in pressure upon reaching mechanical end points limiting, arresting or stopping further mechanical movement or travel of the driven element of any particular component that switches a sequencing valve system and/or electro-hydraulic/pneumatic pressure switches for directing hydraulic/pneumatic power to other hydraulically/pneumatically driven components in the hydraulic/pneumatic circuit in a timed, sequenced and velocity controlled manner.

Abstract: Aircraft that use a shape memory alloy to extend or retract landing gear are provided. The present invention includes aircraft that contain a first retractable landing gear and a first shape memory alloy. The first retractable landing gear in the aircraft may be moveable from a first position to a second position while the first shape memory alloy may be changeable from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first shape memory alloy being in physical communication with the first retractable landing gear. Aircraft in accord with the present invention may also include a lock positioned to secure the first retractable landing gear in a retracted position and/or a second retractable landing gear coupled to the aircraft. This second retractable landing gear may also be moveable from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust heat recovery system that recovers exhaust that is generated by an electrical power generator for use in supplying hot water and air conditioning, and has an object providing an exhaust heat recovery system that realizes reduced costs and has a high energy efficiency. The exhaust heat recovery system provides a heat exchanger HEX1 for exhaust heat recovery that uses the heat of the exhaust gas generated by an electrical power generator to heat a heating medium that is circulated and used in a predetermined facility, and heats the heating medium by carrying out heat exchange between the exhaust gas and the heating medium, a temperature detecting device TC2 that detects the temperature of the heating medium heated by the heat exchanger HEX1 for exhaust heat recovery, and a control valve V1 that controls the amount of exhaust gas fed to the heat exchanger HEX1 for exhaust heat recovery based on the detected results of the temperature detecting device TC2.

Abstract: An aircraft control system includes a propeller governor in which a stepper motor is used to apply a compression force on a speeder spring, and a turbocharger in which a stepper motor is used to actuate a needle valve associated with a diaphragm cell. An electronic control unit may be used to control the stepper motor in the propeller governor and the stepper motor in the turbocharger. The integration of the propeller governor and the turbocharger into a single control system decreases the number of individual adjustments that must be performed manually by the pilot.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which is mounted in a vehicle and has a supercharger that is located along an intake passage of the internal combustion engine and driven by a motor, includes a controller which drives the motor to perform supercharging during warm-up of the internal combustion engine, and supercharges a plurality of times intake air to be supplied to the internal combustion engine. Accordingly, the intake air is supercharged a plurality of times during warm-up of the internal combustion engine, so the temperature of the intake air is raised sufficiently to warm up the engine, thus enabling the engine to be warmed up effectively.

Abstract: A first compressor (1a) which supercharges intake air is provided in the intake passage (6, 20, 21) of an internal combustion engine (12). The first compressor (1a) is driven by the exhaust gas energy of the engine (12). A second compressor (2a) driven by an electric motor (2b), and a bypass valve (3) which bypasses the second compressor (2a), are provided in the intake passage (7, 20, 21) between the first compressor (1a) and the engine (12). The bypass valve (3) shifts from the open state to the closed state according to the operation of the second compressor (2a). At this time, the bypass valve (3) starts closing at some time after startup of the second compressor (2a) so that the intake air amount of the engine (12) is not deficient.

Abstract: A system for the control of an indirectly heated gas turbine comprising a primary system of controlling the temperature of heated compressed gas entering the expander, and an independent secondary system which includes a safety valve for instantaneous release of heated compressed gas to the atmosphere. The primary system controls system gas temperature and power output by modulating a flow of unheated compressed gas which bypasses the heat exchanger and mixes with the heated gas leaving the heat exchanger to produce a lower temperature gas entering the expander. The secondary system provides a backup means of overspeed prevention, and includes a safety valve to instantly discharge to the atmosphere hot compressed gas upstream of the expander by being responsive to the speed of the turbine. The safety valve includes a frangible membrane clamped between parallel flanges within the ducting, and further includes a dagger assembly for rupturing the membrane.

Abstract: A system for generating mechanical and or electric power using low grade thermal or electro-magnetic energy reservoirs, such as air, water and incident light to fuel the power generation cycle. The system performs in a manor similar to a refrigeration cycle. But the system differs from a refrigeration cycle because the system extracts the thermal energy absorbed from the reservoir and energy of compression using the turbine/motor. Greater than 105% of the energy for compression will be available from the system when the appropriate system geometrics are used.

Abstract: A method for conversion of heat in hot flue gases, vaporisation heat in the flue gases being released and converted into an energy carrier which converts from the liquid phase to gas phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an annular combustion chamber for a gas turbine wherein the annular combustion chamber extends in an axial direction, encloses a combustor and has on its inside facing the combustor a bearing structure on which a lining element secured to this lines the annular combustion chamber. The object is to disclose an annular combustion chamber with a lining element that meets the mechanical requirements while at the same time taking account of the system's maintenance-friendliness. The object is achieved in that the annular combustion chamber has a lining element wherein on the rear side facing away from the combustor of two edge areas on the lining element a plurality of interlocking means are located which have a hook width and wherein the lining element is secured to the corresponding bearing structure such that in order to release the lining element from the bearing structure the lining element is moved by the extent of the hook width of the interlocking means in the axial direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling the injection of water into the combustor (16) of a gas turbine (18) may include determining a flow rate of water to be injected into the combustor (16) and controlling (86) a centrifugal pump (20) with a variable frequency drive (40) to control the flow rate of water. The flow rate of water may be further controlled by controlling (88) a throttle valve (32) to control water flow through a recirculation line (28) of a water circuit (24) that directs the flow rate of water to the combustor (16). A system (10) for controlling the injection of water into the combustor (16) may include a water delivery circuit (24) for directing water from a water supply (12) to the combustor (16), a centrifugal pump (20) for pumping water through the water delivery circuit (24) and a variable frequency drive (40) for controlling a motor (42) driving the centrifugal pump (20).

Abstract: A refrigeration generation system wherein a frequency modulating mechanical resonator is positioned between a pressure wave generator and a cryocooler and serves to reduce the frequency of the oscillating gas emanating from the pressure wave generator so that it more closely comports with a more efficient operating frequency of the cryocooler.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, apparatuses and methods for reducing the temperature of a condenser fluid, used in a condenser in an air conditioning system to cool a compressed refrigerant, without releasing fluids to the environment. These systems include a first heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of a condenser fluid using a coolant fluid, a second heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of the coolant fluid using a refrigerant and a cooling system for reducing the temperature of the refrigerant. Theses systems do not release fluids into the environment, which is common when conventional evaporative cooling towers are used to reduce the temperature of condenser fluids.

Abstract: An ice tray driving device has a mesh start section. The mesh start section includes a raised tooth formed by projecting at least one tooth of each of two output gears in the tooth width direction, a column section axially adjacent to the driving gear, a recessed tooth disposed in the column section and formed so as to mesh with the raised tooth, and a slide member for blocking the recessed tooth of the column section at a predetermined position. When the driving gear rotates one of the two output gears, the slide member keeps the blockage of the recessed tooth with respect to the raised tooth of the output gear that is not rotated to prevent the meshing. Thus, the meshing is started only by facing the raised tooth to the recessed tooth, the driving gear and the entire ice tray driving device can be downsized.

Abstract: A refrigerating and air-conditioning system includes a refrigerating machine connected to a showcase by a first refrigerant flow passage, an air-conditioning apparatus for connection of an indoor equipment and an outdoor equipment by means of a second refrigerant flow passage, which forms a different refrigerant circuit from a refrigerant circuit formed by the first refrigerant flow passage, and a centralized control unit for controlling the refrigerating machine and the air-conditioning apparatus, the centralized control unit configured to reduce a cooling operation set temperature in the air-conditioning apparatus relative to a fixed value according to a load on the showcase. When a load on the showcase increases, an indoor temperature is reduced by the air-conditioning apparatus so that a load on the showcase is reduced, reduction in operating efficiency of the refrigerating machine is suppressed, and an improvement in energy saving quality is achieved.

Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus including three compressors (2A, 2B, 2C) and application side heat exchangers (41) (45, 51) for two channels is formed so that a first compressor (2A) is used only for the application side heat exchangers (45, 51) in a first channel of a circuit, a third compressor (2C) is used only for the application side heat exchanger (41) in a second channel of the circuit, and a second compressor (2B) is used in a switchable manner between the application side heat exchangers (45, 51) in the first channel of the circuit and the application side heat exchanger (41) in the second channel of the circuit. Thus, not only the pipe arrangement at suction side is simplified, but also operation control is streamlined.

Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle which includes a coolant circuit (21) for circulating coolant to cool a unit (1) carried on the vehicle; a refrigerant circuit (41) for circulating refrigerant for an air conditioner of the vehicle; and a heat exchanger (15) connected to the coolant and refrigerant circuits (21, 41), provided with a storage medium (25) for storing cool of the refrigerant. The heat exchanger (15) carries out heat-exchanges between the coolant and the storage medium, and between the coolant and the refrigerant.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus (1) has a compressor (2), a condenser (3), an expansion valve (5), an evaporator (6) and an electric valve (10), all connected to each other in this order by a piping line to form a refrigeration circuit. The apparatus further has a heating section (11) and a bypass (12), and a thermosensitive tube (13) of the expansion valve is disposed between the heating section (11) and the electric valve (10) so that temperature of a refrigerant having left this section is detected before entering this valve (10). The refrigerant remains as a gas-liquid mixture until it leaves the evaporator (6) such that temperature of the refrigerant is uniform within the evaporator and equal to the saturation vapor temperature of this refrigerant, and therefore fluctuation in the refrigerant temperature is diminished.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling a room configured to house a plurality of computer systems. A plurality of evaporator units are arranged in series and are configured to receive air from the room and to deliver air to the room. The evaporator units are supplied with refrigerant operable to cool the received air in the evaporator units. At least one of the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the evaporator units and the air delivery to the room may be controlled in response to temperatures sensed at one or more locations in the room.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that incorporates a generator for generating a liquid coolant. This invention provides a self-contained water (or similar liquid coolant) chilling system of suitable capacity to cool small to medium size structures, such as private residences and manufactured homes. The system utilizes an arrangement of heat-exchanging panels to pre-condition an ambient temperature air-stream, prior to passage through a pump-driven coolant spray. The system also provides several sub-systems for automatic coolant monitoring, chemical addition and periodic coolant replacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a plurality of portions of a precooked food wherein the food is initially cooked at temperatures above 80° C. and prepared, the food is then cooled in a cooling phase within a maximum time of 120 min passing through the temperature range of 55° C. to 8° C. to a final temperature in the range of 8° C. to 0° C., and stored for a few days at the final temperature. The food is poured into an agitator vessel (22) during the cooling phase wherein the food is simultaneously thoroughly mixed and cooled during the cooling phase by an agitator (01, 26) constructed as a heat exchanger according to the invention.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage container which includes a first panel having a container attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The container attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary lid attachment element. The thermal energy storage container includes a container compartment adapted to store a thermal energy storage material. A thermal energy storage lid which includes a lid attachment element located around a periphery thereof. The lid attachment element is adapted to engage a complementary container attachment element.

Abstract: A refrigerant connection includes a ferrule positioned within a threaded nut. The threaded nut is received on a connector body. A seal is positioned between the ferrule and the connector body. As the nut is turned on the connector body, the ferrule squeezes the seal. The seal is cylindrical such that sealing surfaces are provided at each axial end and at an outer periphery. In this way, the seal is not as sensitive to surface imperfections in the various components as was the case in the prior art.

Abstract: A vapor compression system includes a main circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator serially connected by main refrigerant lines, the compressor having a suction port, a discharge port and an intermediate pressure port; an economizer circuit having an auxiliary expansion device and economizer refrigerant lines connected between said condenser and at least one of said intermediate pressure port and said suction port of said compressor; a bypass circuit having bypass refrigerant lines connected between the intermediate pressure port and the suction port; and a heat exchanger adapted to receive a first flow from the main refrigerant lines and a second flow from at least one of the economizer circuit and the bypass circuit, the first flow and the second flow being positioned for heat transfer relationship within the heat exchanger, wherein the system is selectively operable in a first mode wherein the economizer circuit is active and the bypass circuit is inactive, and a

Abstract: Gases are vented from a waste site such as a landfill, and the gases are separated into at least three streams comprising a hydrocarbon stream, a carbon dioxide stream, and residue stream. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide stream and hydrocarbon stream are liquefied or converted to a supercritical liquid. At least some of the carbon dioxide gas stream (as a liquid or supercritical fluid) is used in a cleaning step, preferably a polymer cleaning step, and more preferably a polymer cleaning step in a polymer recycling process, and most preferably in a polymer cleaning step in a polymer recycling system where the cleaning is performed on-site at the waste site.

Abstract: An apparatus for the distribution and display of jewelry includes a plurality of precious or semi-precious gems coupled together in a “T” shape with at least one horizontalbar and one downbar, the horizontalbar having clasps at both ends and the downnbar having a clasp at one end. The apparatus further includes a clothing article requiring at least one strap for support with a semi-permnanently attached loops being configured to receive a respective attachment device. The apparatus further includes a flexible strand or chain having attached loops at both ends, each of the loops being configured to receive a respective attachment device. The jewelry article is designed in order to be distributed and displayed as an integral structural member of the clothing and jewelry combination or the flexible strand or chain and jewelry combination.

Abstract: A method of heat treatment of glass materials and natural materials specifically of volcanic origin according to which the treated material is exposed to microwave radiation at a frequency range from 1 MHz to 10 GHz and temperature range from the ambient temperature to 1800° C. in a batch or continuous process. The glass or natural material subjected to a melting and/or refining process contains an inert additive elected from the group comprising carbides, nitrides or borides in an amount from 1 to 100 g preferably 5 to 50 g per 1 kg of the glass or natural material. The apparatus consists substantially of a microwave furnace comprising an outer shell (8.2) provided with a cover (10) and an inner shell (8.1) and at least one micro wave generator (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) with double emission and total power from 0.1 to 1 kW per 1 kg of the treated material.

Abstract: According to a prior art method for producing a cylindrical component comprised of silica glass, a cylinder comprised of a softened silica glass mass is drawn in a predetermined drawing direction along a drawing axis by means of a drawing device which acts upon said cylinder. The aim of the invention is to provide a method which prevents, to the greatest possible extent, warping of the drawn cylinder and other deviations from the ideal cylinder dimensions and to prevent, to the greatest possible extent, the outer surface of the drawn cylinder from being touched. To these ends, the invention provides that the drawing device comprises a plurality of guide elements which are arranged one behind the other along the drawing axis, and which can be displaced independently of one another in a drawing direction and in a direction opposite thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacture of a quartz glass preform for an optical fibre consisting of the following steps: preparation of a hollow cylinder made of porous quartz glass which exhibits an inner layer with a doping substance which increases the refractive index of quartz glass and an outer layer surrounding the inner layer, with a lower refractive index, and collapse of the hollow cylinder characterised by collapse of the porous hollow cylinder onto a quartz glass rod containing the doping substance.

Abstract: Device for linking a door to a case in a drum type washing machine including a bracket having one end to be inserted in a pass through hole formed in the vicinity of the laundry opening in a washing machine case, and the other end fixed to an outside wall of the case, and a foldable link member having a first link rotatably fitted to the one end of the bracket, a second link exposed to an outside through the pass through hole and rotatably fitted to the door, and a hinge connecting the first link and the second link, thereby permitting an easy assembly, and improving convenience of a user.

Abstract: A conventional mortise lock is provided with a visual status indicator to show whether the room is occupied or vacant. The mortise lock output, which operates the deadbolt, is used to linearly move an indicator slide positioned on the outside of the door by a rotating indicator spindle which is in communication with the mortise lock output and indicator slide. The visual status indicator has an opening which is covered by a transparent high strength, impact resistant material such as LEXAN plastic. A preferred embodiment combines the outer lever door handle controller and visual status indicator in a single housing.

Abstract: A vehicle door lock apparatus includes a lever mechanism directly connected with a key cylinder provided at the outside door handle for locking and unlocking the vehicle door in response to rotation operation of the key cylinder. The lever mechanism is provided with a key rotor directly connected with the key cylinder, and a key lever directly connected with the key rotor. An input shaft of the lever mechanism formed by the key rotor is inclinable relative to an output shaft of the lever mechanism formed by the key lever, and this inclination is absorbed through the connection between the key rotor and the key lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting deformation of a gas turbine blade includes a stationary die fixed to a backside of a tip shroud of a gas turbine blade to hold a back surface thereof and a pressing die pressing a front surface of the tip shroud so as to press the tip shroud of the blade between the pressing die and the stationary. A hydraulic drive mechanism including pressure generator is arranged for pressing the pressing die against the tip shroud held by the stationary die and a control device is operatively connected to the hydraulic drive mechanism so as to set and indicate a driving condition on a basis of deformation correction data preliminarily stored in the control device.

Abstract: A panel, such as is intended for an aircraft wing panel, has continuous ribs extending on one surface. The panel is formed, or given a dihedral bend, by shot peening the ribs at a V-shaped section to expand the V-shaped sections and thus deform the panel. A strong formed panel is thus provided with continuous ribs. Further shot peening steps can be carried out on the panel for further shaping.

Abstract: By using a hydraulic forming device 20, a metal plate body 11 is placed on a support section 21b with a hollow section 21a formed on a lower die 21 filled with hydraulic fluid A. Subsequently, a blank holder 23 is lowered to clamp the peripheral edge section of the placed metal plate body 11 with the support section 21b. Then, the upper die 22 is lowered relative to the lower die 21 to pressedly deform the central section of the metal plate body 11 and to compress the hydraulic fluid A to increase the fluid pressure. A rib-like convex section 12 is transferred onto the metal plate body 11 by the increased fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid A and a formed section 22a. Further, the fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid A is kept for a predetermined time. Then, the increased fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid A is released.

Abstract: The tensioner assembly is provided for clamping at least two objects and comprises a tie rod member, a thrust ring positioned on the tie rod member against one of the objects, a first retaining member for removably engaging a distal end of the tie rod member, and a second retaining member for removably engaging the distal end of the tie rod member between the thrust ring and said first nut member and spaced apart therefrom. Each of the first and second retaining members is provided with a set of jackbolts adapted to engage complementary holes therein and to extend from the holes to compressively bias the thrust ring. The total load experienced by the tensioner assembly is shared by two retaining members so that load carried by the first retaining member remains substantially constant during operation, while the second retaining member is subject to stress variation.

Abstract: A hard metal or non-metal member can be formed or shaped to have varying amounts of curvature and tapering by passing the member through a forming channel defined by two sets of opposed, axially displaceable rollers which can be dynamically moved horizontally and vertically in a predetermined range. The rollers are controlled by a computer, a translator, and a electro-mechanical displacement system such as a servo motor. Using data input by a user or preprogrammed instructions containing displacement instruction in the computer, the computer can subsequently instruct servo motors, via a translator, to move the rollers in the available axial directions. The servo motors may include a mechanism for converting rotational movement into fine linear mechanical movement of the rollers. The timing and rate of movement, direction, and force of the roller can be controlled to form and shape the member into a specific contour of curves or tapering sides.