Abstract: A disc brake includes a brake disc, a sliding caliper, a single piston, and a brake pad carrier comprising a leading part and a trailing part. The brake pad carrier includes mounting features for securing the brake pad carrier to an associated structure of a vehicle. The mounting features define a mounting side and a non-mounting side of the brake. A mounting side brake pad comprises mounting side friction material and a non-mounting side brake pad comprising non-mounting side friction material. The center of pressure of the non-mounting side friction material is circumferentially aligned with the piston and the center of pressure of the mounting side friction material is offset in relation to the piston towards the leading part of the brake pad carrier.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.

Abstract: A luggage assembly includes a first piece of luggage and a second piece of luggage. An attachment member is affixed to the second piece of luggage. The attachment member couples the second piece of luggage to the first piece of luggage so that the first and second pieces of luggage are self-stabilized while upright and inclined, and while in motion and while stationary.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical-systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.

Abstract: A torque transmission device, comprising a hydrodynamic component, a shiftable clutch device and a vibration damper. A turbine shell of the hydrodynamic component is connected with a damper input component of the vibration damper and/or with a turbine shell hub, which is at least indirectly supported in axial direction at a damper hub through a torque-proof connection. At least one axial support surface is provided at a face of a damper component, adjacent to the torque-proof connection in an axial direction, or of the damper hub. The face is oriented away in axial direction from the torque-proof connection. The invention is characterized in that a support element is arranged at the damper component or at the damper hub. The support element includes a support surface forming an axial protrusion, extending through adjacently arranged damper components or portions of a support.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch system includes one or more wrap spring clutch assemblies each having a latching actuator assembly. The latching actuator assembly includes an armature plunger movably coupled with a solenoid coil, and in a powered solenoid coil state the solenoid coil moves the armature plunger between deployed and retracted configurations. A latching magnet latches the armature plunger in one of the deployed or retracted configuration in an unpowered solenoid coil state. A latching spring latches the armature plunger in the other of the deployed or retracted configuration in an unpowered solenoid coil state. The wrap spring clutches include a rotatable input hub and a rotatable output hub configured for rotation by the input hub. A helical spring is engaged with the output hub and selectively engaged in slipping and locking engagement with the input hub according to the deployed or retracted configuration of the armature plunger.

Abstract: Hub for two-wheeled vehicles having a hub axle and a hub body and a rotor and with a toothed disk freewheel comprising a pair of interacting engagement components each comprising one axial toothing. The engagement components are biased in the engagement position via a biasing device. The one of the engagement components is received at the hub body to be non-rotatable and axially displaceable and the other of the engagement components is provided non-rotatable at the rotor for transmitting a rotary motion from the rotor to the hub body in the engagement position of the two engagement components. At least one engagement component is configured as a toothed disk and is provided with the axial toothing and has an axial width which is at least the size of half the outer radius of the axial toothing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material conveyor system (1) for a road paver and feeder. The material conveyor system (1) comprises a material hopper (2), which comprises a first and a second hopper half (3, 4), a main conveyor device (5), which defines a main conveyor flow and which runs between the first and the second hopper halves (3, 4), and conveying screws (6, 7), which define a transverse conveyor flow and which are arranged in the hopper halves (3, 4). The material conveyor system (1) is characterized in that the conveying screws (6, 7) can be operated independently of the main conveyor device. The independent operation of the conveying screws (6, 7) and the main conveyor device (5) makes it possible to achieve improved homogenization of the mixing temperature of the paving material.

Abstract: A version of a conveyor chain that comprises: a plurality of side link assemblies, each said side link assembly comprising: two connecting pins and two side straps, wherein each side strap has a base and two side strap bosses extending from the base and wherein each side strap boss is capable of receiving one of said connecting pins; a plurality of connector assemblies; a plurality of flight arm assemblies, each said flight arm assembly comprising: two flight pins and two flight arms, wherein each flight arm has an elongated portion having a flat, planar bottom surface, and a base portion, wherein said base portion has a vertical sprocket opening and two flight arm attachment apertures, each flight arm attachment aperture configured to receive one of said flight pins; wherein each universal connector assembly is adapted to be connected to a side link assembly and a flight arm assembly, to form an endless chain.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly that includes a conveyor belt driven by a pinch roller drive assembly. The pinch roller drive assembly includes a pair of pinch rollers that are each rotatably mounted to a support housing. The pinch rollers are supported by a swing arm urged into a bias position by one or more bias springs. The pinch rollers and bias springs are part of a belt tension assembly mounted to the side rails of the conveyor assembly through mounting plates. The belt tension assembly can be pivoted to move the pinch rollers away from the drive roller as desired. In one embodiment, the roller drive assembly is mounted at or near the center of the conveyor assembly and can also support the drive motor. In an alternate embodiment, the pinch roller drive assembly is mounted to one end of the conveyor frame.

Abstract: A container carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes two layers of a flexible sheet joined along a weld and two rows of container receiving apertures formed in the carrier and generally separated by the weld wherein each container receiving aperture forms an interruption in the weld. One or more tabs may extend from an edge of each container receiving aperture into the container receiving aperture to minimize movement and contact between adjacent containers in the resulting package.

Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier can comprise a bottom panel, a top panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the bottom panel, a handle comprising a bottom gripping portion in the bottom panel and a top gripping portion in the top panel, and at least one container receiver for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers. The at least one container receiver is foldably connected to the handle.

Abstract: A hand bag has a purse portion for personal items and a firearm compartment portion mounted to the purse portion for receiving a firearm. The firearm compartment portion has a base with a wall extending between the purse portion and the base. The firearm compartment portion has an access that allows a user to insert a user's hand through the firearm compartment access and grasp a firearm in the firearm compartment portion interior. The access has an opening in the wall with an edge at least a portion of which extends in a direction generally transverse to the firearm compartment base. The access has a closure movable between a first position in which the closure extends over the opening and a second position in which the closure extends away from the opening to allow a user to access the hollow interior.

Abstract: A tray assembly for use with dental instruments is disclosed herein having a tray, a plate having a top plane and a bottom plane and apertures, the apertures being horizontally configured to receive a plurality of receiver assemblies supported on a top plane via a receiver assembly support, a plurality of semi-cylindrical Radel® instrument supports, a biasing instrument stationer whereby the instrument is friction held in stasis between the stationer and the instrument support, and a plurality of instrument stationers. The plate includes a plurality of aperture(s), at least one receiver assembly for receiving at least one medical/dental instrument inserted between the instrument support and the biasing instrument stationer, suspended within the tray. A kit is also disclosed for the present invention.

Abstract: A film that can be used in packaging applications includes one or more layers, wherein the layers include an anti-fog additive and/or an IR additive and the resulting film has greater than about a 50% prestretch capability.

Abstract: A container may be provided. The container may comprise a first surface and a second surface associated with the first surface. The first surface and the second surface may define a volume. The volume may house a length of multiple single conductors.

Abstract: A package for disposable diapers having a portion of the package usable as a baby changing mat.

Abstract: Provided herein is a linen set organizer with a set of perpendicularly oriented intersecting straps having fastening elements on the distal ends to releasably fasten the straps around a linen set and secure the set and wherein the straps bear identifying indicia for easy identification of the bundled content.

Abstract: An inflatable packaging cushion is made of thermoplastic sheet material connected by seams and spot seams and has a product barrier formed by a plurality of adjacent inflatable product barrier tubes forming a product barrier, a pocket panel secured to the product barrier and extending thereacross to a product pocket for receiving a product, and pillar tube extensions of the product barrier tubes forming bulkhead end walls foldable to extend upwardly from the product barrier beyond the product pocket. The cushion and product are inserted in a carton, and the end walls suspend the product. Distal end flaps are also provide opposite the product barrier and product.

Abstract: An indexing cap assembly indexes visual cues or indicia during an open and close cycle so as to help users more easily track container entry as for example with regard to medications so as to ensure proper dosage. The indexing cap assembly basically incorporates six components, including a cover construction, an indexing plate or wheel, a compression coil or spring, a push plate construction, a gear tray or swing plate construction, and an assembly ring. The cover construction and assembly ring are joined together to essentially form or close the cap assembly with the other parts coaxially aligned and operable therebetween. The indexing wheel is rotatively received within the cover construction such that axial displacements of the push plate advance the indexing wheel and indicia upon its upper surface are sequentially revealed by way of the window formed in the cover construction.

Abstract: A product package is presented that has a sliding tray disposed within a sleeve. Both the sleeve and the tray have a tab on their top portions through which is positioned a hang-hole. The hang-holes in these two tabs align when the tray is inserted into the sleeve, allowing a display hanger to pass through the hole in both tabs. The tray also has a structure with an overhang portion that extends beyond a side wall of the tray. The overhang portion is positioned to abut the edge of the sleeve when the tray is fully inserted into the sleeve to prevent the tray from passing too far into, or even through the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a polymeric quaternary ester product as a collector in a froth flotation process, to a method for froth flotation utilizing the polymeric quaternary ester, to the polymeric quaternary ester as such, and to methods for the production of the polymeric quaternary ester.

Abstract: Nozzle device and nozzle for atomisation and/or filtration as well as methods for using the same. The present invention relates to a nozzle and nozzle device for atomisation, in particular a micro-machined reinforced nozzle plate, that may produce small liquid droplets in air (spray) or into a liquid (emulsion) with a narrow droplet size distribution and to make small air bubbles into a liquid (foam) and to methods of making the same. The invention is further related to a nozzle part for filtration as well as means and methods to facilitate atomisation and filtration.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a control valve filter device, including: a belt-like frame body curved into a ring shape so that its ends face each other, the frame body having an opening; a filter member provided in the opening of the frame body; an engagement claw extended from one of each of both corresponding lateral portions of the faced ends of the frame body; and a concave portion provided at the other of each of the both corresponding lateral portions of the faced ends of the frame body, so as to be engaged by the engagement claw, each concave portion being formed laterally of the opening of the frame body.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The tube and barrier maintain stability of one or more analyte levels, including potassium and glucose, within 10% of their initial values before centrifugation for at least four days.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of mounting systems used to secure, organize and protect electronic equipment in commercial and industrial settings. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods, systems, and devices for mounting non-uniform components in an organized and easily modifiable structure. Of particular interest are mounting systems for electronics components comprising: a) one or more flexible and elastic plastic mesh securing members; and b) one or more elongated support bars comprising: (i) a planar upper support member; (ii) opposing anterior and posterior flanges disposed at right angles to the upper support member; and (iii) a plurality of protrusions integral to or fixedly connected to the flanges which are operably configured for releasable engagement with the mesh.

Abstract: A solar panel rack may comprise a vertical support, a transverse support, brackets attaching hollow beams to the transverse support, and brackets configured to attach solar panels or solar panel assemblies to the hollow beams. Internal splices may couple collinearly arranged hollow beams in the solar panel rack. Some or all of these components may be formed from folded sheet metal blanks comprising bend lines predefined by bend-inducing features formed in the blanks. Preformed slots, holes, or other openings in the sheet metal blanks may predefine the relative positions of various components in the solar panel rack and predefine the positions of solar panels or solar panel assemblies to be supported by the solar panel rack. Individual components of the solar panel rack may be useful in other structures and applications apart from solar panel racks.

Abstract: A device for supporting a group of pipes during temporary storage, the device being composed of: an elongated pipe supporting element having a pipe supporting surface; and at least one safety stop assembly including a pipe stop member and at least one fastening element, wherein the pipe stop member is movable relative to the pipe supporting element between a stop position and a withdrawn position, the stop member, when in the stop position, resting on the pipe supporting element and being operative to prevent removal of pipes from the pipe supporting element, and the stop member being operative, when in the withdrawn position, to allow removal of pipes from the pipe supporting element, and the at least one fastening element being connectable between the pipe supporting element and the pipe stop member for holding the pipe stop member in the stop position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible garment rail assembly that can be stacked with similar garment rail assemblies.

Abstract: A crane includes a limiting device to limit a raising/lowering angle of the mast during suspending work to be equal to or less than an upper limit angle which is less than a value of the raising/lowering angle when the mast extends vertically; a release device into which a release instruction for causing the limiting device to release the limitation on the raising/lowering angle of the mast is input; and a first detection section adapted to detect that the mast support device is at an overhanging position where the mast support device pushes up and sets the mast in the work posture. The limiting device is operable whenever the first detection section does not detect that the mast support device is at the overhanging position, even if the release instruction is input into the release device, to prohibit the mast from being tilted rearward beyond the upper limit angle.

Abstract: Closing element for sealing holes subjected to internal pressure includes a hollow cylindrical main body insertable into the hole substantially without play, and a hat-like spreading element pressable into the main body. The spreading element applies radial pressure to the inner wall of the main body in the installed state, wherein the main body is spread and pressed against the wall of the hole. The main body has a closing bottom having a circumferential radial ring surface and a slightly conical cone surface connected thereto. During operation, the closing bottom is pressed against the end face of the spreading element by the internal pressure and is bent over inner and outer edges of the end face and deformed so as to expand radially. This results in strengthened anchoring of the closure in the material of the component, and self-reinforcement of the press-out force required to remove the closure.

Abstract: A vacuumized container box having a box body opened at its upper end and constructed in a shape of a container; a box cover is provided at the upper end of the box body; an air outlet opening is provided on the box cover; a vacuumizing device is provided on the air outlet opening for vacuumizing the box body; the vacuumizing device comprises a vacuum operation button and air pumps; the vacuum operation button is provided at an upper end of the box cover; the air pumps are actuated by the vacuum operation button and are provided at a bottom end of the box cover. Since the vacuumized container box is configured to incorporate the vacuumizing device, no other extra vacuumizing devices are required. The vacuumized container box is therefore convenient to use and attains good vacuumization.

Abstract: A container and lid assembly are provided. The lid assembly has a base configured to engage an opening of the container. A hole in the base allows access to an interior chamber of the container. A surface extends upwardly and outwardly from the hole to act as a funnel to direct material towards the hole. A cover is rotatably coupled to the base to allow selective access to the hole.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for partitioning food containers, such as cereal bowls. Some embodiments may include a system with a food container, which may be a cereal bowl. The system may also include a flexible membrane having a top surface and a bottom surface. The membrane may partition the food container into a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may be for holding liquid content. The upper bowl portion may be adapted for holding edible solid content. The membrane may have multiple passageways extending from the membrane bottom surface through the membrane top surface. The multiple passageways may be normally closed and then expand to an open configuration allowing fluid transmission from below the membrane to above the membrane when the membrane is flexed in a first direction normal to a resting plane parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a cooler for transferring a game head. In one aspect, a game head transfer device is provided. The device includes a body having an opening on an upper portion that is configured to receive a game head into the body, wherein a first portion and a second portion of the game head extend from the opening of the body when the body is in an opened position and a closed position. The device further includes one or more flap members configured to narrow the opening of the body between the first portion and the second portion of the game head. The device also includes one or more closing members configured to narrow the opening of the body adjacent a side of the first portion and a side of the second portion of the game head that extend from the opening.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a reservoir for holding bulk goods and multiple reconfigurable distribution path devices to release the goods to a purchaser in entertaining fashion.

Abstract: The plastic bag dispenser pipe is constructed of a wall bracket from which a pipe member is rigidly affixed. The pipe member extends laterally an undefined length, and is further characterized with a front opening that spans along the length. The pipe member includes distal openings, which enable a plurality of individually folded plastic bags to extend at both distal openings. Each individually folded plastic bag is individually removed from the plastic bag dispenser pipe as needed. The wall bracket includes mounting surfaces that enable the plastic bag dispenser pipe to be secured to a generally planar surface.

Abstract: The disclosed pill bottle allows for timed dispensing of medicine, as programmed by a doctor, pharmacist, or caregiver. The device has a slot for pill entry in any one of the walls, the slot being sealable and lockable. In an unlocked and open condition, the slot is a portal from the outside of the bottle into an inner cavity, the cavity being adapted for pill storage and extending between the slot/opening for pill entry and an exit tube. The exit tube is sized for single-file passage of a plurality of pills. A spring-loaded member is adapted to apply pressure in the exit tube on a single pill of the plurality of pills such that the pressure prevents exit of the single pill and the single pill blocks other pills of the plurality of pills from exiting. A button extends through a wall, such as the side wall, and is configured to release the pressure (defined as changing the static nature of the pill and spring placement) on the single pill, allowing it to fall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dispensers of bedding materials for laboratory animal cages. According to one embodiment of a dispensing unit, materials are drawn into a storage chute by a vacuum and dispensing is accomplished in a dispenser comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes having dispensing openings through which material is dispensed into cages. While in a first position, a material directing gate allows the materials to be dispensed through one of the dispensing chutes into a first number of cages, and through another one of the dispensing chutes into a second number of cages while in a second position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum from the vacuum blower is utilized to remove dust from the dispensing area where material is dispensed into cages. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for aligning, indexing and drying laboratory animal cages which have already been cleaned in a cleaning station.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a body (1), a fluid reservoir (2), a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (2), and a dose indicator device for indicating the number of doses of fluid that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from said reservoir, the dispenser being characterized in that said dose indicator device includes a first safety system for actuating the dose indicator device once the dispenser has performed a predetermined incomplete actuation stroke, even if the dispenser does not perform the complete actuation stroke.

Abstract: An adhesive melter includes a melter support frame with a spring-loaded support and a manifold for receiving molten adhesive. The melter also includes a pump pack assembly having a rigid frame carrying a pump for directing flow of molten adhesive through the manifold, a motor, and a drive coupling operatively connecting the pump and motor. The pump pack assembly is collectively mounted as a unit on the melter support frame by positioning the rigid frame on the spring-loaded support, moving the pump into abutment with the manifold, and fastening the pump into fluid-tight engagement with the manifold, the support adjusting in position during fastening to assist with carrying the pump pack assembly as a cantilever load.

Abstract: An anti-leakage liquid soap valve structure includes a liquid soap conduit, an air conduit and a foam discharging tube. The liquid soap conduit includes a soap entering tube for receiving liquid soap, a soap discharging tube communicating with the soap entering tube and having a liquid soap chamber, a liquid soap exit, and a soap discharging valve. The soap discharging valve includes an elastic washer disposed at the liquid soap exit, and a pressing member to press against the elastic washer. The air conduit includes an outer housing forming an air chamber with the liquid soap conduit, an air exit located at one side of the air chamber, and an air supply valve linking with the soap discharging tube. The foam discharging tube includes a gas-liquid mixing chamber located at the liquid soap exit and the air exit, and a foam exit communicating with the gas-liquid mixing chamber.

Abstract: An aerosol trigger actuator having two or three parts includes one or more living hinges (170) allowing the two or three parts to act together to release a product from a container.

Abstract: A dispensing pump, and more particularly, a valve accelerating type dispensing pump that may be used in a process of manufacturing an electronic product and may dispense an accurate amount of a liquid, such as a liquid synthetic resin, at high speed. The present invention provides a valve accelerating type dispensing pump that can descend a valve rod at high speed and thus can dispense a liquid with high viscosity at high speed. The valve accelerating type dispensing pump can dispense an accurate amount of a liquid at high speed. Also, the valve accelerating type dispensing pump can dispense a liquid having high viscosity at high speed due to a fast descending speed of a valve rod.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an adaptable rack for aquatic transport of articles. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to an adaptable rack for aquatic transport of articles to increase storage capacity of a boat and to prevent scuffing and damaging of the deck of the boat. In one embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable rack for aquatic transport of an article comprises a mounting post for fitting inside a rocket launcher on a boat, a support bar positioned on a top surface of the mounting post, and a plurality of support arms extending from the support bar, the support arms for supporting the article during aquatic transport.

Abstract: Provided is an elastically expandable stroller storage device configured to be easily secured to a stroller frame to provide additional storage space particularly intended for essential items. The storage device is formed from an elastically expandable material, such as neoprene, that is stretched to dispose the device in tension and to wrap the device around the stroller frame. When the device is secured to the stroller frame, the tension within the storage device maintains the device in position on the stroller frame. As such, the storage device may be particularly suitable for umbrella strollers including a pair of frame members extending downwardly from the stroller handles. The device may be wrapped around the frame member to secure the storage device thereto, and to position the device in an easily accessible position for the parent.

Abstract: An improved hand tool for dispensing plastic fasteners having a novel anvil design that prevents inadvertent user needle sticks during operation of the hand tool and a needle having a novel casing that further prevents inadvertent user needle sticks during the replacement of the hand tool needle. The casing has a needle assembly opening at the front of the barrel portion and a trigger slot at the front of the handle portion. The hand tool further has a hollow needle disposed on one end of a needle assembly. The hand tool further has a trigger that is pivotally mounted within the casing that extends out from the trigger slot. The trigger is capable of moving the needle assembly between the retracted and extended positions. The anvil has a needle guard, a main portion, and a fabric slot. The fabric slot separates the needle guard from the main portion.

Abstract: A surgical fastening instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, an end effector and a clamp is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector includes a pair of jaws having a tissue contacting surface disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion, and at least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The clamp has a clamping surface extending substantially transversely from an elongated member and has a height exceeding a height of the elongated member to extend adjacent a side surface of the jaw containing the plurality of fasteners. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue.

Abstract: There is provided a tool for friction stir welding having excellent wear resistance and chipping resistance. The tool for friction stir welding according to the present invention includes a base material, the base material includes a first hard phase, a second hard phase and a binder phase, the first hard phase is formed by WC particles, the second hard phase is formed by a compound of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon, boron, and oxygen, or a solid solution of the compound (except for WC), the binder phase is formed by an iron group metal, and the second hard phase is higher than or identical to the first hard phase in terms of volume ratio.

Abstract: A connecting method of a single core electric wire to a stranded electric wire which can prevent a contact resistance from increasing is provided. The connecting method includes a tube inserting process that a single core wire and a twisted wire are respectively inserted from openings and of a tubular joint terminal having a single core wire inserting part from an end part to a prescribed position in an interior side and a twisted wire inserting part from the other end part to the single core wire inserting part in the interior side, and a metallic bond process that an end face contacts under pressure with an end face and the single core electric wire is rotated in a twisting direction of the twisted wire to metallically bond the end faces.