Abstract: A method for applying render to a substrate, said method including the steps of: securing a layer of confining mesh having a three-dimensional open cellular structure to the substrate; applying a base layer of cementitious material over the confining mesh; and screening the base layer to a depth at least substantially level with an outer surface of the confining mesh. Preferably, the method includes the further step of: applying a layer of reinforcing mesh over the base layer; and applying a top coat of cementitious material over the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: Device for screwing caps onto bottles and similar containers includes a work station, which supports a device for gripping the caps and which moves toward and away from the bottles, carried by a relative feeding line. An actuator, associated to the work station, drives the gripping device into rotation, so as to screw the caps onto the corresponding open heads of the bottles. A fricton device for coupling of the actuator with the gripping device, is operated in step relation with the positioning of the caps close to the open heads of the bottles.

Abstract: An appliance for storing articles within flexible and non-flexible containers under vacuum. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the appliance. The trough is slidably removable from the base of the appliance. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated. The appliance includes a thermal sealing mechanism for sealing a flexible container as well as a cutting mechanism for cutting the flexible container to a desired size. The appliance includes a control panel for selectively operating the vacuuming and sealing processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system having a tool for inserting electronic components into a carrier tape, which has passage openings. The tool has a pick-up device to pick up the components from a carrier film and position them in the passage openings by means of a lifting movement. The packaging system has a guide plate for the linear sliding conveyance of the carrier tape populated with electronic components, and in each case devices for applying upper and lower cover films to the carrier tape. The invention additionally relates to a method of populating the carrier tape with electronic components.

Abstract: A container sealing device includes a platform slidable and movable in and out of a casing and having an opening for receiving a container to be sealed. A lever and a support device are slidably attached to the platform, and movable up and down relative to the platform, to support the container. The platform includes a peripheral bulge having a peripheral channel to form an inner peripheral wall which may support an outer flange of the container, and an outer peripheral wall having an orifice for supplying a food preserving agent to the container, and an aperture for vacuuming the container. The support device may be adjusted relative to the lever, to support containers of different heights or depths.

Abstract: A system for packaging a flat panel product includes a dispensing device for dispensing a length of inner protective packaging material, a folding table for wrapping the inner protective packaging material around the product and folding an outer protective packaging material around the product, and a binding device for binding the outer packaging material, inner packaging material, and product together, suspending the product relative to at least one of the walls of the sidewall and supporting the product laterally. A data entry device provides data related to the length of inner protective packaging material required, and this data is fed to a controller, which controls the dispensing device to provide an appropriate length of material. The data entry device can also provide shipping information, fed to a printer for printing a shipping label.

Abstract: A protective facemask for horses includes a panel of an open mesh material and an elastic headstall and an elastic throatlatch that are without fasteners. When the facemask is worn, an upper edge portion of the panel passes around a horse's forehead below the forelock and above the eyes and a lower edge portion of the panel passes over an upper region of a horse's muzzle forward of a horse's eyes and from this region to adjacent a throatlatch region of a horse's throat. When the facemask is worn, the headstall passes over the poll region of a horse's head and the throatlatch extends from the ends of the headstall under a throatlatch region of a horse's throat.

Abstract: A mechanical pruner has a hinged trimming head that allows the trimming of grape vines growing on sloped ground. The trimming head has hedgers with forward facing cutting teeth and rotating combers that open up the grape vine canopy and pull the vines into the cutting path. By also allowing for multiple adjustments in the height of the pruner, lateral position of the trimming head, lateral position of the hedger relative to the trimming head, and both the lateral and vertical positions of the combers relative to the trimming head, the mechanical pruner provides a user with significant control over the trimming of grapevines.

Abstract: A convertible mower deck has a plurality of adjoining cutting chambers under a mower deck, each cutting chamber having a cutting blade mounted to the lower end of a vertical spindle. The deck includes openings between adjoining cutting chambers, and gates or baffles under the deck in the openings between adjoining cutting chambers. The gates or baffles include pairs of plates that pivot on vertical axes, and interlock together when moved in the mulching position.

Abstract: When harvesting forage in the form of a large round bale, for instance, there are times in which a windrow of forage material lies outside the side boundaries of the bale-forming chamber. This may be due to the windrow being made wide by machinery having driven through it, or by wind, or because of the need to turn the forage harvesting equipment tightly. A wide pickup, notably wider than the width of the bale-forming chamber, provides a solution to this common problem. Dual augers at each end of the wide pickup provide the force to direct the forage into a narrower path, to enter the bale-forming chamber. The orientation and size of the augers permits the pickup header to reside in the same location it would if it was not wider than the baler. Tines or teeth of various rigidities and shapes are provided in the pickup for more effective pickup of the forage.

Abstract: A cable or the like protection and guide device is provided in which inadvertent disconnection in a coupling portion of a side plate due to the repetition of flexional movement is avoided. A load, which is liable to occur in a flexion portion during restriction of flexional movements, is avoided, whereby excellent endurance can be obtained. Maintenance at the coupling of the side plates is easy. A cable or the like protection and guide device (100) is disclosed in which right and left spaced side plates (110, 110) are each integrally formed by a front side plate portion (111) connected to a precedent side plate (110), a rear side plate portion (111) connected to a subsequent side plate (110?) and a flexible coupling portion (113) intervened between said front side plate portion (111) and said rear side plate portion (112).

Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine engine fuel metering unit incorporating a memory device for storing data relevant to that unit, and an electrical connection arrangement whereby data can be read from and/or written to said memory device by an associated electronic engine controller, said stored data including data relating to at least one of the performance, the identification, the health, and the service life of that fuel metering unit. The invention further resides in an aircraft gas turbine engine fuel supply system and a method of operating such a system.

Abstract: Techniques suitable for recovering energy from a high-temperature gas of an ordinary pressure are provided. A turbomachine has a turbine 16 and compressors 20 and 24. A combustor 12 is disposed at a stage above the turbine 16. A power generating system generates power by passing a working fluid for the turbomachine through the combustor 12, the turbine 16 and the compressors 20 and 24 in that order.

Abstract: An ion drive system for creating a propulsion force or thrust has at least one stage having an emitter and an attractor spaced from the emitter by a gap. An ionizable dielectric media is located within the gap. The drive system further has a propellant source for introducing a propellant in the vicinity of the emitter and a power source for creating a high intensity field in the vicinity of the emitter to ionize the dielectric media and a diffused field in the vicinity of the attractor to accelerate the ions away from the emitter and thereby create a propulsive force. In a preferred embodiment, the ion drive system has a plurality of stages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the mass of NOx stored in a NOx trap in an exhaust line of a motor vehicle engine, the device comprising means for acquiring the richness of the exhaust gases, the NOx flowrate on the upstream side of the trap, and the temperature of the trap. This device further comprises means for comparing the richness to a predetermined value, first means for determining, when the exhaust gases are lean, the increase in the mass of NOx stored as a function of the mass of NOx already stored, the temperature of the trap, and the NOx flowrate on the upstream side of the trap, and second means for determining, when the exhaust gases are rich, the reduction of the mass of NOx stored as a function of the temperature of the trap and the richness of the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A first integration value is obtained by performing time integration on a feedback control signal during the time interval between the instant at which the deviation between a reference signal and the output signal of an oxygen sensor reverses from a negative value to a positive value and the instant at which the deviation reverses back to the negative value. A second integration value is obtained by performing time integration on a feedback control signal during the time interval between the instant at which the deviation between a reference signal and the output signal of the oxygen sensor reverses from a positive value to a negative value and the instant at which the deviation reverses back to the positive value. When the deviation between the absolute values of the first and second integration values is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, it is concluded that a feedback learning value is completely learned.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine, and an engine control unit are provided for appropriately determining the amount of reducing agent supplied to a NOx selective reduction catalyst to ensure good exhaust gas characteristics. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus comprises an ECU; a NOx selective reduction catalyst for purifying NOx in exhaust gases in an exhaust pipe; a NOx sensor disposed in the exhaust pipe at a location downstream of the NOx selective reduction catalyst for detecting a NOx concentration in exhaust gases; and an injector for supplying the NOx selective reduction catalyst with ammonia produced in an ammonia production unit. The ECU determines the amount of ammonia injected to the NOx selective reduction catalyst by the injector such that an estimate of the NOx concentration detected by the NOx sensor reaches a minimum value.

Abstract: In a diesel engine equipped with a catalytic HC reformer for injecting reformate into the engine exhaust stream to reductively regenerate one or more emissions control devices including but not limited to a lean nitrogen trap, a combustor is disposed in the exhaust stream downstream of the LNT, and preferably downstream of all regenerable emissions control devices, to burn any residual HC, H2, or CO in the tailpipe exhaust gases. Thus only breakthrough amounts of these species are combusted. Preferably, the combustor is operated on an appropriate schedule governed by the operating schedule of the reformer. To assure combustion when the oxygen concentration of the exhaust falls below the reformate combustion limit of approximately 6%, make-up air is ported to the combustor either by diverting a portion of the reformer system air or by diverting excess turbocharger boost air from the engine air intake system.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuating device for a convertible top assembly of a motor vehicle. The actuating device comprises a hydraulic pump with an associated electric pump motor and one or more hydraulic actuators, each for driving an associated movable part of the convertible top assembly. The actuating device also comprises a control circuit for effecting a defined sequence of movements of the one or more actuators and feedback means, which are connected to the control unit, for feeding information relating to the sequence of movements of an actuator back to the control unit. The feedback means comprise means for measuring the electric power consumed by the pump motor, which means transmit a feedback signal to the control unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system has a source of pressurized fluid and a fluid actuator with a first chamber and a second chamber. The hydraulic system also has a first valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the first chamber and a second valve configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the second chamber. The hydraulic system further has a proportional pressure compensating valve configured to control a pressure of a fluid directed between the source and the first and second valves.

Abstract: A protection system is provided for a work machine with a power source. At least one sensor is configured to monitor a fluid parameter of a work machine system external to the power source. The sensor is further configured to produce a signal indicative of a value of the fluid parameter. The component protection system has a control module in communication with the at least one sensor, the control module being configured to derate a power source output base upon the value of the fluid parameter.

Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic system of a loader arm carrying a working implement, the system having a ride improvement system and a selection valve connected to first and second chambers of a ram which operates the loader arm. A check valve assembly is provided, with the check valve assembly being responsive to pressure changes in the second chamber. The check valve assembly, when closed, prevents fluid from passing between the first chamber to the selection valve. Means are provided communicating the fluid pressure in the second chamber to the check valve, with the means responsive to pressure changes in the second chamber to open the check valve. The selection valve is operable to raise the loader arm with the system arranged to permit passage of fluid between the first chamber and the accumulator while permitting fluid to pass from the second chamber to a low pressure region.

Abstract: A hydraulic tool has a motor, a valve, a hydraulic intensifier, and a supply connector. The hydraulic intensifier is arranged between the valve and the motor. The valve and the motor are arranged behind one another in a longitudinal direction of the tool. The hydraulic intensifier has at least one intensifier piston having a movement direction that is positioned at a first angle greater than 0° relative to the longitudinal direction of the tool.

Abstract: In a lever device for a hydraulic operation where hydraulic pressure is generated in a master cylinder by rotation of a lever, to make invariable an operation of a pushrod, which operates a piston of the master cylinder by being pushed at one end thereof by an adjuster of the lever, irrespectively of an adjustment of the adjuster. The lever is supported by a rotational shaft to be rotatable around the rotational shaft relative to the master cylinder, while a knocker member separate from the lever is supported to be coaxially rotatable. A knocker portion of the knocker member receives an end of the pushrod, which operates the piston. A positional relationship between the pushrod and the knocker portion is made invariable irrespectively of a change in a distance between the adjuster and the knocker portion by an adjustment of the adjuster.

Abstract: An inexpensively manufacturable arrangement for the cooling of thermally highly loaded components, for example the combustion chamber of a gas turbine, comprises cavities (4) provided on the thermally loaded inner surface/air exit side (3) of the wall (1) of the component which are supplied with a cooling medium from the outer surface/air inlet side (5) via cooling air openings (6) and which are covered by a heat resistant wire mesh (7) of a certain permeability. The cavity, which acts as pressure accumulator, forms, in connection with the wire mesh, a uniform pressurized-air film (8) for the cooling and heat shielding of the wall surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for starting a gas turbine engine under various conditions are used to distribute a varying total amount of electric power to at least one of a starter, a fuel heater and an oil heater while providing fuel.

Abstract: An ice-making machine and method of maintaining and cleaning an ice-making machine are provided. The ice-making machine has predictive maintenance and cleaning. Operational conditions of the ice-making machine, such as, for example, water quality, are used to establish service intervals and/or types of service, and the service intervals and/or types of service are indicated to the user with a lead-time to allow for timely obtaining the service.

Abstract: An ice-cube making device for use in a refrigerated cabinet is provided. The ice-cube making device is attachable to a freezer liner and thus makes efficient use of the space in the freezer cavity. The ice-cube making device includes a mechanism for extracting ice by applying a twisting torque to one or more ice-cube trays therein. The ice-cube making device may also include mechanisms for refilling the ice trays with water and for providing a user-friendly installation. Aspects of the present invention may be performed either manually or may be automated.

Abstract: A central control system includes a plurality of air conditioners and a central control unit connected to the air conditioners over a network. The air conditioners are installed in rooms of a building to provide air conditioning in the rooms. The central control unit receives a control command for monitoring and controlling each of the air conditioners, and adjusts an operating schedule of each of the air conditioners to limit total peak power consumption of the air conditioners in operation below a reference power value. The central control unit controls the operation of each of the air conditioners based on the adjusted operating schedule. When the total peak power consumption exceeds the reference power value, the central control unit prevents the entire air conditioning system from shutting down, which improves stability of the air conditioning system and decreases electricity costs for air conditioning.

Abstract: An air conditioner having a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units with a common piping connected via a common piping to transfer refrigerant therebetween, the air conditioner including a first outdoor unit to provide heat, a second outdoor unit to defrost a heat exchanger of the second outdoor unit, and a first refrigerant guide unit in the second outdoor unit to guide a flowing direction of the refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant discharged from the first outdoor unit is circulated through the heat exchanger of the second outdoor unit.

Abstract: A refrigerator which includes a main body having a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, an evaporating unit provided in the main body, and a first duct and a second duct in communication with the evaporating unit to guide cooling air generated from the evaporating unit to the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment of the main body, respectively, wherein the second duct is provided around a edge of a rear of the refrigerating compartment of the main body and having a cooling air supply hole to supply the cooling air to the refrigerating compartment. Thus, according to the present invention, the cooling air is supplied from the edge of the rear of the refrigerating compartment, thereby providing the duct of a simple structure and facilitating a refrigerating efficiency.

Abstract: An air discharge outlet comprises line air discharge outlets (35) and corner air discharge outlets (36). The line air discharge outlets (35) are so formed as to extend, respectively, along four sides of a casing bottom part having four side parts and four corner parts wherein the side and corner parts are formed in contiguous relationship to one another. The corner air discharge outlets (36) are formed, respectively, in the four casing corner parts so that each corner air discharge outlet (36) establishes connection between adjacent ones of the line air discharge outlets (35). And, each line air discharge outlet (35) is provided with a swing vane (38) swingable about a longitudinal shaft (41) of each line air discharge outlet (35). Each corner air discharge outlet (36) is provided with a fixed stationary vane (39).

Abstract: An upright refrigerator including a cabinet having in a lower position a compartment housing the usual compressor of the appliance refrigeration circuit. The compartment having an aperture at the rear in proximity to a rear wall of the cabinet and the cabinet comprising side walls having portions projecting from the bottom wall of the compartment supporting the compressor towards a surface on which the refrigerator rests. The cabinet having a cavity defined by the side walls of the cavity and the lower wall of the cabinet, between the lower wall and the bottom wall of the compartment there is a lower aperture below the usual door of the refrigerator, the lower aperture communicating with the aperture of the compartment. A filter member is removably positioned in the cavity to retain the impurities present in the air entering from the aperture of the lower wall of the cabinet and directed towards its rear aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for separating oil from a refrigerant gas containing the oil. The refrigerant gas is discharged from a refrigerant compressor which forms a part of refrigerating cycle to an external refrigerant circuit. The oil separation structure includes a separation chamber in which the oil is separated from the discharge refrigerant gas having a cylindrical inner surface, and a plurality of introduction passages through which the discharge refrigerant gas is introduced into the separation chamber. The oil is separated by centrifugal action from the discharge refrigerant gas by turning the discharge refrigerant gas introduced into the separation chamber along the cylindrical inner surface.

Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with economizer vapor injection and liquid injection functions. As is known, the economizer function enhances performance of the refrigerant system. The liquid injection lowers the discharge temperature of the refrigerant to provide reliable compressor/system operation. The liquid injection and economizer vapor injection functions are selectively provided through distinct fluid passages leading to separate compression pockets. Single or dual pocket injection scheme could be utilized in conjunction with either function. The location of the liquid injection is preferably downstream in the compression process in relation to the economizer vapor injection. In this manner, a refrigerant system designer can select the optimal location of injection for each of the two refrigerant flows. The refrigerant system can consists of a single compressor or multiple compressors either connected in series or in parallel.

Abstract: A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and then supplied to a distillation column at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is also expanded to intermediate pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the second stream and is cooled to condense at least a part of it, forming a reflux stream. At least a portion of the reflux stream is directed to the distillation column as its top feed.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system that optimizes the recovery of argon includes an air intake, a high-pressure distillation column, a low-pressure distillation column, a crude argon distillation column, and a controller that automatically controls the composition of the raw argon stream to decrease the concentration of oxygen in the stream while preventing the concentration of nitrogen in the crude argon stream from exceeding a selected value. In addition, the controller also controls the composition of the crude argon stream until an oxygen concentration of the crude argon stream reaches a selected value. The controller may include a multivariable predictive controller.

Abstract: A method of forming an air-tight scal between two pieces of glass is described. It comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a layer of indium or indium alloy between opposing surfaces of the glass pieces; and (b) heating the indium or indium alloy layers and the glass pieces, preferably under vacuum, to a temperature, generally around or below 220° C., to melt the layers to form the seal between the pieces. The method is suitable to form a relatively small air-type seal between two glass panes or sheets, and is particularly suitable for the formation of evacuated double glazing units. Optionally, an additional metal layer is located between the indium or indium alloy layers.

Abstract: A fabric winding machine is installed on a circular knitting machine to wind and collect an annular fabric knitted by the circular knitting machine. It has a fabric splitting mode and a fabric non-splitting mode according to the characteristics of the fabric material. The fabric winding machine includes a fabric directing means on which an arched bracket or a fabric extending bracket can be installed respectively corresponding to a fabric splitting mode or a fabric non-splitting mode. The fabric in the two modes can be collected on a fabric collection rod through different fabric winding paths. By switching the two modes the large size fabric winding machine does not have to be disassembled in response to the fabric of different characteristics.

Abstract: A damper includes: a cylinder: a piston rod inserted to be movable linearly in the cylinder; a guide member provided with a coupling hole to which an insertion portion of the rod member is coupled at a center thereof, and provided with first and second grooves at an outer circumferential surface thereof; a fixed damping member fitted into the first groove and adhered to an inner surface of the cylinder; and a movable damping member up and down movably fitted into the second groove and selectively adhered to the inner surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A latch in a door is protected from an unauthorized entry by forming a first bracket that fits around the latch, and a second bracket that is rotatably connected to the first latch. The second bracket covers the latch when rotated to be in a first position, and exposes the latch when rotated to be in a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching to a first wall that defines a security aperture. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a longitudinal axis and a locking flange extending from the housing on a shaft and having a profile that is complimentary to the security aperture, such that the locking flange has a first orientation relative to the security aperture for insertion into and removal from the security aperture, and a second orientation relative to the security aperture for retention within the security aperture. The locking flange is transformable between the first orientation and the second orientation. The apparatus further includes a locking member that is coupled to the housing and is cooperative with the locking flange for inhibiting transformation of the locking flange from the second orientation to the first orientation. The apparatus further comprises at least one leg that is parallel to the first wall.

Abstract: A tethering system having an elongate flexible element, with a length, and an anchoring system. The anchoring system has a block defining first and second surfaces. The anchoring system further includes (a) a first anchoring assembly for bearing a first portion of the elongate flexible element against the first surface with the first anchoring assembly in a first state to maintain the first portion of the elongate flexible element substantially fixed against movement relative to the first surface, and (b) a second anchoring assembly for bearing a second portion of the elongate flexible element against the second surface. The first anchoring assembly is changeable selectively between its first state and a second state wherein the first portion of the elongate flexible element can move relative to the first surface to allow the elongate flexible element to be formed into a loop with a variable diameter.

Abstract: A dual lock includes a housing, a shackle, a first locking mechanism, an identification member, a second locking mechanism, and an urging member. Thus, the identification zones of the identification member are exposed from the windows of the housing if the dual lock has been unlocked for checking the luggage so as to remind a user to inspect if contents of the luggage that has been checked are missed or lost.

Abstract: A portable, universal, anti-theft device having inner and outer tubular housings mounted together telescopically. Both housings have open front, axial ends and the rear end of the outer housing is closed. Opposite wall portions of inner and outer housings are formed with pairs of intersecting camming slots receiving locking pins. A locking handle on one housing can move the housings in opposite axial directions to cam the locking pins between an open, gas pedal inserting position, in which the locking pins are cammed apart, permitting the open front end of the housing assembly to be advanced, in enclosing relation, over the gas pedal by the gas pedal passing between and behind the pins and, a closed, gas pedal immobilizing and concealing position in which the pins are cammed together engaging in front of the gas pedal, immobilizing and concealing the gas pedal wholly within the housing assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing metallic buildup from forming surfaces of metal forming dies while the dies are in a press and operating at elevated temperatures. The cleaning apparatus includes a programmable positioner having a robotic arm with an end effector carrying a brush assembly. The brush assembly includes a rotary drive motor rotatably carrying a metallic wire brush. The brush has a plurality of radially extending plain carbon steel bristles having tips adapted for removing metallic buildup from the forming surfaces of dies. The positioner operates to move the rotatable wire brush in a predetermined path that engages the brush with the forming surfaces of the dies for sweeping and cleaning metallic buildup from the forming surfaces.

Abstract: An exemplary lubricated hot rolling method is provided which can use a lubricating oil containing, e.g., one or more kinds among an high-basic alkaline-earth metal phenate, high-basic alkaline-earth metal carboxylate, high-basic alkaline-earth salicylate, or high-basic alkaline-earth metal sulfonate having a basicity of 40 mgKOH/g or higher, and has a viscosity at 40° C. of 800 cSt or less. The rolling can be performed by granulating or atomizing the lubricating oil into particulates whose average size is less than 1 mm, supplying the lubricating oil to rolls by using a noncombustible gas whose flow rate is 2000 cm3 or more per minute per lubricating nozzle. The velocity of the oil may be 1 m or more per second. The amount supplied of the lubricating oil can be controlled to 0.01 cm3 or more and 20 cm3 or less per 1 m2 of a surface area of the rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying a lubricating material to an outer surface of a workpiece. Initially, a workpiece is provided that is preferably formed from a closed channel structural member having a circular or box-shaped cross sectional shape. Lubricating material is applied to an outer surface of the workpiece. In a second step of the method, the workpiece may be heat treated. The workpiece is then heated to elevate the temperature of the workpiece so as to cause the lubricating material to dry substantially immediately on the workpiece, thereby providing a coating of lubricating material having a substantially uniform thickness. In a fourth step of the method, a deforming process is performed on the workpiece during the period of time following the heat treatment process, and after applying the lubricating material, in which the workpiece retains the full or partial softening characteristics.

Abstract: A punch for a hydroforming die includes a body, a neck extending axially from the body, a head extending axially from the neck and having a diameter less than a diameter of the body and a thumbnail slot extending axially and radially into the head to allow fluid within a tubular member to force a wall portion of the tubular member outward into the slot of the punch and be sheared by the punch to produce an opening in the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of progressive hydro-forming of a tubular member includes the steps of positioning a tubular member between open die halves mating with one another to define a first tubular cavity portion in a first stage. The method also includes the steps of progressively closing the die halves and applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the tubular member to the first tubular cavity portion in the first stage. The method includes the steps of positioning the expanded tubular member in a second tubular cavity portion in a second stage and progressively closing the die halves to progressively deform the expanded tubular member within the second tubular cavity portion. The method includes the steps of applying hydraulic pressure to expand and conform the expanded tubular member to the second tubular cavity portion in the second stage.