Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor apparatus includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore therethrough that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each elongated member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator with improved mounting and power distribution capabilities is disclosed. The disclosed system includes an elongate member mounted from an overhead structure in a substantially horizontal manner. A head end of a barrier movement operator may be supported by the elongate member and the elongate member may be used to mount accessory devices such as lights and extension cords, and to provide mains voltage to the mounted accessories.

Abstract: Baffled attic vents and methods of their use and manufacture are provided. The baffled air vent of this invention includes an elongated member having a roof facing side and an attic space facing side, a pair of longitudinal side portions, first and second transverse ends, and at least one central panel portion. The vent defines at least one channel on the roof facing side thereof, for directing ventilated air. The channel includes a bottom portion having an integral baffled surface thereon. The vent further has an installed, convective air flow reading, under a 5 Pa air pressure differential, of at least about 95 CFM. Further embodiments contain separation means for permitting the attic vent to be separated by hand in a transverse or longitudinal direction.

Abstract: This swimming pool consists of a first sheet or layer of concrete (1) forming the foundation, on which general “C” profile prefabricated reinforced concrete parts (2a, 2b, 2c) are laid, which have tongues or clips (25, 26) projecting from the reinforcement, holes (22) to assemble side torque means (3, 31), vertical channels (23) which define a housing containing concrete filler (4) with expansive additives, and vertical bevels (24) to place sealing filler (5) of the joints. It also consists of a bed (6), which covers the front tongues or clips (25), an upper perimeter finish (7, 8) and a lining of tiles (9) applied directly on the prefabricated parts (2a, 2b, 2c) and the bed (6).

Abstract: A support assembly for receiving and maintaining one or more sections of an above-ground structure at a substantially upright position includes a base member having a protrusion connected thereto and extending upwardly therefrom in a substantially vertical direction. The support assembly further includes a plurality of ancillary members having top and bottom end portions defining engaging and receiving portions respectively. One of the ancillary members is positionable onto the base member and receives another ancillary member thereon. The assembly also includes a top member with a top end portion that has a slot formed therein and for receiving a section of an above-ground structure so that same can be maintained at a secure position.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing cracks, crevices, joints, and other discontinuities in a chimney flue liner, comprises a flexible, resilient applicator having a liquid impervious rubberized coating. An electrical vibrator is installed within the applicator, for tamping the mortar or grout material into any discontinuities in the flue liner. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed, comprising drawing the applicator downwardly through the flue from top to bottom, connecting the vibrator to a suitable source of electrical power, placing the applicator at the bottom end of the flue, pouring mortar or grout material into the chimney from the top with the mortar flowing to the sides of the applicator and between the applicator and flue liner, and drawing the applicator upwardly through the flue liner while operating the vibrator to coat the interior of the flue liner and tamp the repair material thoroughly into any discontinuities in the liner.

Abstract: A modular rail system for holding a panel includes individual components that can be mixed and matched making it easy to customize to fit any length and provides for the use of an array of accent materials. The modular rail system includes at least first and second columns and first and second rails extending between the columns, wherein the columns and first rail each includes a recess for securing one edge of the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping stacks of web product with wrap web material supplied from a supply roll. The apparatus includes a conveyor for supporting and moving the stacks to be wrapped along a conveying path, a drive assembly operable to receive wrap material from the supply roll and positively feed the wrap material to the conveying path, and a wrapping assembly for manipulating the wrap material around the stack. The method includes supporting and moving the stacks to be wrapped along a conveying path, rotating a cutting roll, clean cutting the wrap material received from the supply roll to separate a wrap sheet from the wrap material, defining a trailing edge of the wrap sheet, delivering the trailing edge to the conveying path after the wrap sheet is separated from the wrap material, and manipulating the wrap sheet around the stack.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making reclosable packages having slider-actuated string zippers. More specifically, the apparatus is a form-fill-seal machine having means for placing product on a web of packaging film; means for forming a receptacle having an interior volume and a mouth, with the product in the interior volume and a string zipper installed in the mouth, the web of packaging film forming at least one wall of the receptacle; a slider insertion device for inserting sliders on the string zipper; and means for sealing the receptacle so that ambient air cannot enter the interior volume. The form-fill-seal machine may further include either means for aligning an edge of the web with a flangeless zipper strip of the zipper strip before the web is joined to the flangeless zipper strip or means for trimming an edge of the web after a portion of the web proximal to the edge has been joined to a flangeless zipper strip of the string zipper.

Abstract: A method for filling a package for compressible flat articles. The method includes the steps of arranging a stack of articles to be received inside the package, compressing the stack, opening and tenting the bottom of the package, and charging the package with the stack by pushing the stack through the open bottom of the package.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine includes a vacuum chamber and a sealing mechanism within the chamber. A product-filled package can be supported within the chamber with its open end disposed between sealing bars of a sealing mechanism. At least one of the sealing bars is continuously heated including as the package is placed within the chamber, as a vacuum is drawn in the chamber, as the sealing bars are closed around the open end of the package and as the package is removed after sealing is complete.

Abstract: A packaging machine with a movable centering and lowering device for inserting partitions between groups of bottles or cans and a method of operation thereof. The movable centering and lowering device is designed to move with a group of bottles or cans and insert a divider between the bottles or cans in the group as the group moves through the packaging machine. The movable centering and lowering device is also adjustable to permit handling of dividers of different size and configuration.

Abstract: Products (2) presenting bevelled or rounded corner edges (35) are advanced singly and in succession along a predetermined path (P), each enveloped in a wrapper (11) of parallelepiped box-like shape, and directed ultimately into a station (15) where each product (2) is subjected to a finishing step that consists in deforming at least one part of the wrapper (11) and causing it thus to adhere to the surface of the relative product (2), in particular at the bevelled or rounded corner edges (35); thereafter, the finished products (2) are stacked and wrapped in respective stick packs (36) of which the longitudinal corner edges (38) will hug the corner edges (35) of the stacked products (2), adapting to the contours of the bevelled or rounded profile.

Abstract: A bag packaging system includes a bag packager and a defect detection device that receives bags manufactured by the bag packager and conveys the bags while checking for defects. The defect detection device includes a first conveyor belt that is arranged below the bag packager, a line sensor that is arranged adjacent to a downstream end of the first conveyor belt, and a controller. The line sensor sends a detection signal when it detects an object that is conveyed by the first conveyor belt. The controller stores the size of a proper bag that is being manufactured. The controller finds a defective bag based on the size of the proper bag, the conveying speed of the first conveyor belt, and duration of the detection signal from the line sensor. The defect detection device can detect defects in bags promptly after the bags are manufactured by the bag packaging machine.

Abstract: A protecting apparatus structure for protecting a horse's heel includes a protecting board engaged with the rear of the heel, a buffer support plate extended from an internal edge of the protecting board, a protrusion protruded from the center of the buffer support plate for supporting a horse's hoof, symmetric winged plates extended from both sides of the buffer for increasing the supporting area, a metal plate included in the buffer support plate and extended to an appropriate height, a soft protecting plate sewed into an internal edge of the protecting board, a Velcro strap at an upper edge of the protecting plate, and a tying strap at a lower edge of the protecting plate. The buffer support plate provides a buffer for supporting the hoof and preventing discomfort or injury to a horse while the horse is running or jumping and improves the safety protection of the hoof.

Abstract: An apparatus, systems and methods for automatically disengaging and re-engaging a cutting implement on a mowing machine by disconnecting and connecting, respectively, electrical power to an implement drive means. Power to the implement drive means is disconnected or connected according to gear positions of transmission control levers provided on the mowing machine. At designated gear positions, cut-out switches associated with the implement drive means are effective to interrupt power to the implement drive means. Repositioning the control levers to non-designated gear positions restores power to the implement drive means. The automatic disengagement/re-engagement of the cutting implement based on the gear position of transmission control levers may be used for two lever zero-turn-ride-on mowing machines or more traditional single lever ride-on mowing machines.

Abstract: An adjustable spindle assembly comprising a spindle housing, a keyed spindle shaft rotatably connected to the spindle housing, a mow ball rotatably connected to one end of the keyed spindle shaft, and a string carrier assembly adjustably connected in between the spindle housing and the mow ball. The string carrier assembly includes a pair of string guides and string holders for securing cutting string to the string carrier assembly without the use of tools. In addition, the string carrier assembly may be moved along the spindle shaft between the spindle housing and the mow ball without the use of tools. A pulley may be connected to a second end of the keyed spindle shaft. The mow ball may have a removable wear point.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a grass bag for collecting cut grass, which is attached to a rear wall of a cutter housing of the lawn mower. The rear wall includes an exit that communicates the grass bag with a cut grass carrying passage formed in the cutter housing, and a plurality of internal pressure control holes formed proximately to the exit. When a grass cutting operation continues, cut grass is accumulated in the grass bag, causing the internal pressure of the bag to rise. By virtue of the control holes, rise of the internal pressure is restrained.

Abstract: A pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) and a method of making the pulsed plasma thruster are disclosed. The PPT includes no moving parts and is able to achieve a small size. The PPT is also designed to facilitate easy and rapid manufacture. The process for making the PPT uses known techniques for making printed circuit board devices. Another PPT also has no moving parts and uses a liquid fuel that is progressively advanced by capillary action.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a flap system for a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle including at least one backbone assembly. The method comprises providing a basesheet including a pair of circumferentially-spaced sides coupled together by an upstream side and a downstream side, forming at least one relief cut in the basesheet that extends at least partially across the basesheet from at least one of the circumferentially-spaced sides, and coupling the basesheet to the backbone assembly.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a liquid fuel rocket engine member having a load bearing wall structure (11,14) including a plurality of cooling channels (11) for handling a coolant flow. Each cooling channel (11) is provided with a flow guiding surface (15) extending at an angle to the cooling channel axis, for providing the axial coolant flow with an added flow component in the radial direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system for automotive vehicle wherein liquid water is produced by cooling a portion of exhaust gases at elevated pressure to induce condensation. The use of elevated pressure allows condensation to occur at a higher dew point which is easier to realize with cooling by ambient air. Liquid water condensate is collected and provided to an electrolytic cell for electrolysis into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen gas generated by the cell is used by the internal combustion engine to reduce internal combustion engine wear and to reduce exhaust pollutants especially during start-up. Alternate uses of the liquid water include a replenishment of engine coolant and window washing fluid.

Abstract: An hydraulic brake booster for an automobile hydraulic system comprising of a boost cylinder, a boost piston and a boost chamber defined by a boost piston working in a bore in a body and being adapted to apply an output force to an output rod in response to a pressure applied to a boost chamber under a control valve, in turn responsive to an input force from input rod, wherein the input rod move in a forward operating direction up to a prescribed point so as to prevent fluid from a radial high pressure supply port from entering the boost chamber when the booster is in an inoperative position, any added movement of the input rod in a forward operating direction lifts the boost piston ball and uncovers the supply port so as to allow pressurized fluid into the boost chamber from the accumulator.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine is disclosed. The hydraulic system has a reservoir configured to hold a supply of fluid and a source configured to pressurize the fluid. The hydraulic system also has a fluid actuator, a first valve, and a second valve. The first valve is configured to selectively fluidly communicate the source with the fluid actuator to facilitate movement of the fluid actuator in a first direction. The second valve is configured to selectively fluidly communicate the fluid actuator with the reservoir to facilitate movement of the fluid actuator in the first direction. The hydraulic system further has a proportional pressure compensating valve configured to control a pressure of a fluid directed between the fluid actuator and the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a motor vehicle is provided with a pump suction enhancer includes a body section defining a small chamber, a venturi tube passage exposed to the small chamber at an inner end thereof and connected to the suction port of the oil pump, and a nozzle protruding into the small chamber to face the inner end of the venturi tube passage with a space relative to the venturi tube passage in axial alignment with the same. The flow divider divides the operating oil discharged from the oil pump into a return flow to the pump suction enhancer and a supply flow which passes through a power steering device to return to an oil reservoir. The pump suction enhancer may be integrally formed with the oil reservoir or provided as a discrete component separated from the oil reservoir, oil pump and the flow divider.

Abstract: The invention proposes a drive system for a vehicle, in particular for a tracked vehicle, having a drive machine and at least one load, which is mechanically coupled to an output drive of the drive machine, at least one control means being associated with the at least one load and reducing a power consumption of the at least one load in a starting phase of the drive machine temporarily compared with a power consumption in an operating state of the load whilst maintaining the mechanical coupling. Such a drive system has an improved starting capability compared with known systems since the reduction in the power consumption of the load in the starting phase of the drive machine reduces the risk of the drive machine stalling. The drive system according to the invention is considered to be particularly advantageous in the case of hydraulic loads and generators.

Abstract: The invention concerns a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, which is at least two-stage, wherein each respective stage of the turbocharger system is respectively a turbine and respectively a compressor, which via a common shaft are coupled with each other, wherein at least the exhaust gas side parts of the exhaust gas turbocharger are integrated in a common housing unit. The invention further concerns an internal combustion engine with such a compressor system.

Abstract: A combustor assembly includes a combustor chamber having a primary and intermediate zone that provides for reduced flame temperatures. The combustor assembly includes first and second pluralities of injectors. The first plurality of injectors introduces fuel to a primary zone. A second plurality of injectors introduces fuel to an intermediate zone. During operation between initial start up and before the introduction of engine load, fuel is introduced into the primary zone only by the first plurality of injectors. Once engine load is applied to the engine, fuel is introduced into the intermediate zone by the second plurality of injectors. Introduction of additional volume of fuel allows the fuel-air ratio to remain constant regardless of engine operating conditions. The constant fuel-air ratio is maintained at a desired rate to lower flame temperatures and reduce nitrous oxide emissions.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for improving combustion by improving at least one of temperature distribution in the combustor, pressure distribution around the combustor and combustion noise level in the combustor, by redistributing air around the combustor to modify the structure of the air flow prior to entry into the combustor.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary compressor capable of preventing deterioration of performance following plug fixing carried out to prevent falling-off of a spring member. The rotary compressor comprises a cylinder constituting a rotary compression element, a roller engaged with an eccentric portion formed in a rotary shaft of an electric element, and eccentrically rotated in the cylinder, a vane abutted on the roller to divide an inside of the cylinder into a low pressure chamber side and a high pressure chamber side, a spring member for always pressing the vane to the roller side, a housing portion of the spring member, formed in the cylinder, and opened to the vane side and a hermetically sealed container side, a plug positioned in the hermetically sealed container side of the spring member, and inserted into the housing portion to fit into a gap, and an O ring attached around the plug to seal a part between the plug and the housing portion.

Abstract: A closed loop cooling system and method for an oil-free electric motor of an aircraft cabin air compressor. A closed-loop fan, which may be coupled to a motor rotor opposite a compressor impeller, circulates the required cooling air in a closed loop through a motor stator and bearings, a motor cooler, and a ducting used to complete the flow circuit via a ram air cooled heat exchanger. The cooling air may be pressurized to cabin pressure. The system and method of the present invention eliminates the possibility of contaminating trace amounts of oil in cabin supply air.

Abstract: A sensor array, particularly for vehicle air conditioners, having a housing, in which an electronic unit, a first sensor element connected with the electronic unit for measuring a first physical parameter, and a second sensor element connected with the electronic unit for measuring a second physical parameter, are arranged. The electronic unit has an electric signal output and an analyzing module which, as a function of momentary measuring values of the physical parameters, according to a defined selection logic, determines which of the measured physical parameters is to be considered to be the momentarily relevant parameter, and which switches a sensor signal formed on the basis of the momentarily relevant parameter to the signal output.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle with a combustion engine, an electronic engine-management device, and an air-conditioning system with an air-conditioning control device, the air-conditioning compressor has reciprocating pistons whose displacement stroke is adjustable through one or more control valves. The electronic engine-management device has direct access to and priority control over the adjustment of the piston stroke, so that the electronic engine management device takes precedence over the air-conditioning control device in controlling the adjustment of the piston stroke.

Abstract: In a refrigerating cycle device using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, there exists a problem that the provision of a receiver at a low-pressure side increases cost and volume due to a pressure resistance design necessary for ensuring safety. By adjusting a refrigerant holding quantity of a first heat exchanger in such a manner that a refrigerant pressure of the first heat exchanger 13 is changed by operating a first decompressor 12 and a second decompressor 15, an imbalance of a refrigerant quantity between time for space cooling and time for heating or dehumidifying can be alleviated and hence, it is possible to perform an operation of the refrigerating cycle device with high efficiency with a miniaturized receiver or without providing the receiver.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to improved cooling module of a type for circulating water or other cooling fluid through a tube-lined cooling garment system. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a central shaft for the transmission of rotational power or torque. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a hydration system which may be employed in connection with the cooling module described herein. In still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an improved garment pass-through connection system for penetrating one or more garment layers.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a shaved ice discharger to discharge shaved ice produced within the refrigerator to an outside of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body having a freezing compartment defined therein, a freezing compartment door to open and close the freezing compartment, a shaved-ice maker positioned in the freezing compartment to produce shaved ice, a shaved ice discharge port to discharge the shaved ice produced by the shaved-ice maker to the outside of the refrigerator, and a shaved ice discharger to open the shaved ice discharge port for a predetermined time. The shaved ice discharger maintains an open state of the shaved ice discharge port for the predetermined time therefore, it is not necessary to continuously apply external force to the lever, and convenience in use of the shaved-ice maker is improved.

Abstract: A cooler is provided including a sidewall portion including an outer layer and an inner layer quilted to form a plurality of gel pockets and gel disposed in the plurality of gel pockets, wherein the cooler is foldable along regions between the gel pockets. In one embodiment, the gel is a saline solution. In another embodiment, the cooler further includes a bottom flap foldably attached to a seam between a bottom and the sidewall.

Abstract: An expansion-distribution assembly (30) for the heat-absorbing component in a heatpump system. The assembly (30) comprises an envelope (32) forming an expansion chamber (54) and a distribution chamber (56). A shuttle (80) within the distribution chamber (56) is movable between a first position in response to fluid flowing in the forward direction and a second position in response to fluid flowing in the reverse direction. The shuttle (80) restricts flow when fluid is flowing in the first direction but is less restrictive when fluid is flowing in the second direction.

Abstract: A process for producing an isotopically enriched compound of a desired isotope includes (a) providing a cryogenic reaction zone containing a catalyst adapted to catalyze an isotope exchange reaction at a cryogenic reaction temperature, (b) feeding to the cryogenic reaction zone an enriched mixture comprising at least a compound containing the desired isotope, wherein the enriched mixture is enriched in the desired isotope above a natural abundance of the desired isotope, (c) reacting the enriched mixture in the cryogenic reaction zone thereby forming a resulting mixture containing the isotopically enriched compound, and (d) separating the resulting mixture into an enriched product which is enriched in the isotopically enriched compound and a depleted product which is depleted in the isotopically enriched compound.

Abstract: In a method for bending, in pairs, panes placed one upon the other, heated to their softening temperature, the pair or panes is deposited on a bending frame and prebent under action of the force of gravity. The prebent pair of panes is transferred onto a suction bending mold with a concave forming face, the underside of the lowermost pane being supported at least on the peripheral edge of the forming face. By applying a depression for a predetermined length of time, the air is sucked out of the intermediate space between the underside of the lowermost pane and the suction bending mold, and the pair of panes is pressed by atmospheric pressure onto the concave forming face of the suction bending mold. After the end of the application of the depression, the finished molded pair of panes is transferred from the suction bending mold onto a transport device and is cooled.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an optical fiber preform to perform the deposition process by modified chemical vapor deposition. The Apparatus comprises a main heat source location sensor (800) for detecting the location of a main heat source for heating a substrate tube 100, an additional supporting device control part (1000) wiredly or wirelessly connected to the main heat source location sensor (800), and an additional supporting device (1100) wiredly or wirelessly connected to the additional supporting device control part (1000) for supporting the substrate tube (100). The present invention reduces the effective length of the substrate tube (100) by additionally supporting the substrate tube (100), thereby minimizing the deflection of the substrate tube (100). Particularly, it is possible to considerably reduce the deflection of the substrate tube at its initial part and thus to achieve a high deposition efficiency. Accordingly, it is possible to mass-produce an optical fiber preform of high quality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine and dryer having a condensation unit (700). A tub (200) is installed in a cabinet (100), and a drum is rotatably installed within the tub (200). A drying duct (610) has one end connected with an interior of the tub (200), and a condensation duct (710) connects the tub (200) with the drying duct (610). A cooling water supply unit (720) is provided in one side of the condensation duct (710) to supply cooling water supplied from an outside to the interior of the condensation duct (710). A cooling water dropping unit (750) collects the cooling water supplied to an interior of the condensation duct to drop the collected cooling water to the inner space of the condensation duct. A heater (620) heats air circulating the tub (200), the condensation duct (710), and the drying duct (610), and a circulation fan (800) circulates the air. A drain pump (500) discharges washing water in the tub (200) outside the cabinet (100).

Abstract: A computer security lock includes a main housing, a key-operated lock having a lock housing disposed in the main housing and having a lock bar extending movably through the lock housing, and a pair of scissors-type levers. Each lever has opposite proximal and distal end portions, and a medial part between the proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion has a hook extending outwardly of the main housing to engage a slot in a computer housing. The medial parts of the levers are pivoted to the main housing at a common pivot point. The proximal end portions of the levers are biased to place the hooks in an unlatching position in which the hooks overlap. A cam is moved by the lock bar to extend toward and between the proximal end protions so that the hooks move away from each other. A cable holder extends around the main housing, and a security cable is connected pivotally to the cable holder.

Abstract: An activation restricting apparatus for an engine starting system that may be produced with a compact size. The apparatus includes an operating mechanism, an actuator, and a control unit. The operating mechanism starts and stops the engine and has a plurality of positions including a LOCK position. The operating mechanism includes a first stopper prohibiting movement of the operating mechanism from the LOCK position and a second stopper prohibiting movement of the operating mechanism to the LOCK position. The control unit enables the engine to be started when the operating mechanism is in the LOCK position and a first ID code sent from a portable device matches a second ID code. The control unit enables the operating mechanism to be moved to the LOCK position when the operating mechanism is not in the LOCK position and the vehicle is not moving.

Abstract: In an apparatus for locking and unlocking a vehicle door, an inner cable, with one end connected to a rotor to make a twisting operation in response to the rotation of the rotor of a cylinder lock and the other end connected to a key operation input shaft of a door lock mechanism, is inserted through an outer casing with opposite ends connected to the cylinder lock and the door lock mechanism. A locking part capable of elastically engaging with an engaging part provided at a casing included by the door lock mechanism is provided at an end portion of the outer casing at a side of the door lock mechanism.

Abstract: A device for actuating a lock on a vehicle door has a support mounted on a vehicle door. A lock cylinder mount, or a decoy, is mounted on the support. A screw secures the mount when mounted on the support. The mount has a shoulder engaging a counter shoulder of the support at least partially in the mounting position of the mount. The screw has an actuating end for moving the screw into a release position and a locking position. In the release position, the mount is removable from and mountable on the support. In the locking position, the mount is secured. The mount has a threaded receptacle for the screw so that the screw is part of the mount. The support has a screw support surface against which the actuating end of the screw rests in the locking position of the screw for securing the mount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for changing the configuration of a rolling mill including at least two working rolls and two back-up rolls, means for applying a clamping load and two sets of hydraulic cambering cylinders, at least of both working rolls. According to the invention, at least two types of working rolls (C1, C2) are realized having, respectively a great diameter and a small diameter and the quarto configuration rolling mill is switched to a sexto configuration and conversely, the rolls with great diameter (C1, C?1) being used as working rolls in the quarto configuration and, in the sexto configuration, as intermediate rolls between each back-up roll and a roll with small diameter (C2, C?2) used as a working roll.

Abstract: A technique for manufacturing a product involves receiving material, providing plastic deformation to the material to at least partially form the product, and applying electric current to the material while providing the plastic deformation to the material. The electric current is configured to reduce flow stresses within the material during plastic deformation. In some arrangements, the electric current is a series of high-density, short electric pulses which increases plasticity due to increasing the dislocation mobility of the deformed material. In some arrangements, the electric current provides an electric current density through the material of at least 1000 Amperes per square millimeter with each electric pulse lasting no longer than 0.01 seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a shell with a central panel and a chuck wall is provided. The apparatus and method employ the use of a biasing member to selectively bias and control movement of the inner pressure sleeve and a die core having an outer diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the punch core. The apparatus and method can also be employed in a single action press or a double action press.

Abstract: A pipe bending system employing a sensing and indicating system that provides feedback to an operator regarding the position of components of the pipe bending system, such as the pin-up shoe and the stiffback. Apparatus for retrofitting a sensing and indicating system to existing pipe bending apparatus.