Abstract: The present invention for producing a substantial two-way shape memory effect within a composition substantially only exhibiting one-way memory is realized by first plastically deforming the alloy into a predetermined shape and then work hardening, such as through grit blasting, a selected portion of the outer surface of the alloy. Advantageously, this later type of work hardening selectively transforms only the outer portion of the alloy into a region of "super-elasticity" which acts as a biasing force to re-strain the alloy upon cooling. As such, two-way shape memory elements--which recover their original shape upon heating, yet deform into a second desired shape upon cooling--may be made to produce actuators exhibiting strain amplitudes of as much as 3% while exerting a force in excess of about 10,000 psi.

Abstract: The stator for a helical gear device is formed of a plurality of duplicate disks. The disks each include a convoluted cavity having equally spaced symmetrically radially extending lobes for receiving the convex lobes of the rotor. The disks are assembled into the form of a stator by inserting the disks about a mandrel which includes convoluted lobes, so that the convoluted cavities of the disks follow the shapes of the lobes of the mandrel, thereby causing the disks to be progressively radially offset with respect to one another along the length of the stator. The stacked disks are inserted into a heated cylindrical housing so that the housing forms a shrink fit about the disks. The disks and housing are further connected by brazing, and the disks optionally have openings formed between the lobes which function as convoluted channels through the assembled stator for the passage of liquid, wiring, etc. through the stator.

Abstract: A method for minimizing thermal overhead in an integrated circuit package is described. A heat sink having a base is integrally formed into the package. The base is connected to the die, and a portion of the heat sink projects from the package, forming a post. A heat transfer assembly having a shaft with an aperture is heated until the aperture expands sufficiently to allow the heat transfer assembly to be fitted on the post with a minimum of force. Upon cooling, a tight joint is formed between the heat sink and the heat transfer assembly.

Abstract: An improved mixing tube for use in a high-pressure abrasive fluid jet system is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing tube is provided by forming a first piece and a second piece, each piece having a length that is substantially equal to the length of the mixing tube. A longitudinal groove is provided in each piece, the longitudinal groove extending from a first end to a second end of each piece. The first and second pieces are coupled together, such that the first and second longitudinal grooves meet to form a bore that extends longitudinally through the length of the mixing tube. Although the first and second pieces may be joined in a variety of ways, in a preferred embodiment, the two pieces are joined by shrink fitting a metal sheath around the outer surface of each piece. The first and second pieces are made of a hard ceramic material, and the longitudinal grooves are formed by grinding the pieces to remove material along their length.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of a golf club head for tightly and firmly affixing a striking plate, which is preferably made of titanium or titanium alloy, on a head body made of other metal material includes the following steps of (1) forming a receiving groove on a head body of a golf club which has a predetermined original size and shape; (2) heating the head body until the head body expands to slightly enlarge the size of the receiving groove; (3) planting a striking plate, which is made of titanium or titanium alloy and has a size and shape slightly larger than the original size and shape of the receiving groove of the head body before heating, into the heated receiving groove of the head body; and (4) moving the head body with the striking plate to room temperature until the receiving groove will shrink back to the original size.

Abstract: A pre-tensioning device is used with a fastening element for fastening pieces together, the fastening element having a tightening element movable longitudinally along a first region thereof, which fastening element is to be subjected to a pre-tensioning expansion. The device comprises a locking piece fixedly attachable to the first region of the fastening element and extending over the tightening element; the tightening element being movable with respect to a piece to be fastened independently of the locking piece; and an annular sleeve made of a shape memory metal and positioned between the locking piece and the piece which is to be fastened to another piece, whereby when the annular sleeve is heated it undergoes an expansion due to a phase transformation and forces the locking piece upwards such that the fastening element is stretched and the tightening element can be tightened against the piece to be fastened.

Abstract: A ceramic portion is inserted in the front side of the housing envelope by shrinking. At the the junction of these parts, a sealing layer, preferably a galvanized copper layer, is applied plied which ensures a connection which under the resulting pressure is impermeable to gases and humidity. The ceramic portion is exposed to a strong radial pressure prestress with the result that the tensile stress of the ceramic portion is reduced and thus the pressure resistance thereof is increased under the effect of an axially acting external pressure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flywheel assembly having a first flywheel, a second flywheel, a viscous damper mechanism 3 disposed therebetween, and a boss member 5. The second flywheel is supported on the first flywheel so as to be relatively rotatable via the viscous damper mechanism. The viscous damper mechanism 3 includes disc-shaped plates 9, each having radially inner serrations 9d on radially inner surface thereof. The boss member 5 has radially outer serrations 5a. The boss 5 and plates 9 are provided with a thermal expansion differential prior to assembly. After assembly, the serrations 5a on the boss securely engage the serrations 9d on the inner surface of the plates 9. The plates 9 may be heated or the boss 5 may be cooled to provide a thermal expansion differential.

Abstract: Method and articles for holding fluid conduits at a desired lateral distance from each other for connection to spaced-apart connection points, for example vehicle fuel line connections or domestic appliance flexible hoses. Preferred holding articles are described having heat-shrinkable rings connected by an integral connecting portion, or having a sheet with heat-shrinkable end portions (30) which can be wrapped around conduits (70) and a spacer (50) to hold the conduits at the required separation.

Abstract: A method for mounting on a shaft extending through a housing a preloaded rolling bearing assembly incorporating first and second rolling bearings capable of supporting axial load, involves mounting the outer race rings of both bearings in axially fixed positions in the housing, mounting the inner race rings with a shrink fit on the shaft and with rolling bodies disposed between the inner and outer race rings, and introducing in the interface between the inner envelope surface of the inner race ring of the second bearing and the shaft a pressure medium to create a thin medium film in the interface for allowing the inner race ring of the second bearing to be axially displaced on the shaft. An axial force is then applied to the inner race ring of the second bearing and the axial force thus applied is measured. The pressure medium is then drained from the interface between the inner race ring and the shaft when a predetermined axial force is reached, whereupon the axial force is relieved.

Abstract: A process for assembling a clamp ring to a disk stack assembly of a computer disk drive unit. The clamp ring includes a lower surface which includes an arcuate rolling contact surface that uniformly distributes a load applied to the clamp ring to components of the disk stack assembly underlying the clamp ring without damaging such disk stack components on load-induced flexion of the clamp ring. A cantilevered section of the clamp ring is disposed radially inwardly of the arcuate rolling contact surface, and is defined by a portion of the lower surface which is raised relative to an adjacent portion of the arcuate rolling contact surface so as to not contact the underlying disk stack components on load-induced flexion of the clamp ring. In use, the clamp ring is heated and then placed over the disk stack components to be clamped together.

Abstract: A saddle includes a body of thermoplastic material constituting a load-bearing structure on which a padding of expanded plastics material is fitted. The padding is made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer which does not require the application of a covering layer. The padding is formed by injection moulding and allowed to expand to a size larger than the final size. The padding is then placed on the load-bearing structure and is firmly coupled to the load-bearing structure upon cooling and shrinking.

Abstract: In a process for producing a shaft bearing-bearing housing assembly wherein the shaft bearing has an outer race firmly engaged in the bearing housing, a shaft bearing with a slightly conical outer surface is fitted into a slightly conical receiving bore formed in the bearing housing at an elevated temperature which is higher than the normal operating temperature of the bearing housing and the bearing housing is then permitted to cool down thereby providing for firm engagement of the shaft bearing outer race in the bearing housing.

Abstract: A method and valve assembly for inserting a spool into a secondary bore of a valve body. A slave tool is inserted into a primary bore axially adjacent a secondary bore of the valve body. The slave tool includes a slave bore axially aligned with the secondary bore. The spool is inserted through the slave bore into the secondary bore. A chamfer is provided on a first end of the secondary bore or spool adjacent the slave tool.

Abstract: A heater (12) for a catheter (10) used in monitoring constant cardiac output is fabricated using a bifilar wire (21) coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) like the material used for the catheter. The bifilar wire is coated with the PVC using a conventional extrusion technique, producing a coated lead (24, 32). This coated lead is wrapped around the exterior surface of the catheter, forming a helical coil. Heat is applied to the coated lead to melt the PVC coating, causing it to bond the lead to the catheter. The melted PVC also flows into gaps (23) or notches between adjacent coils of the lead, producing a relatively smooth outer surface for the heater coil when the PVC coating cools. The bifilar wire can alternatively be wrapped in-line with PVC tape (29) or film and the PVC material heated to flow around the wire, bonding it to the catheter's outer surface.

Abstract: A method of making coated engine blocks by (a) casting a metallic engine block having one or more cylinder bores; (b) fabricating a thin walled liner for each bore, the liner being constituted of extruded metallic tubing having a cleansed inner surface, a wall thickness controlled to a thickness of 1-3 mm.+-.

Abstract: A method for post-mold attachment of a handle to a strain-oriented plastic container body. The method utilizes thermal shrinkage of the oriented container body to engage the handle; for example, a highly-oriented recess is molded in the container body and then shrunk to engage a complimentary-shaped lug on the handle. The method is useful for both hot-fillable and pasteurizable containers, and is particularly useful for making larger-sized containers, wherein the weight of the product and size of the container make handling and pouring difficult.

Abstract: A friction clutch/flywheel assembly includes a flywheel with a predetermined diametral area designed to hold a preferably cylindrical wall of a basin-shaped clutch housing, so that the clutch housing does not rotate and is also secured against axial movement with respect to the flywheel. The assembly is designed so that there is a clamping device allocated to at least one of the flywheel or the clutch housing, which clamping device is designed to be located in the contact area between the cylindrical wall of the clutch housing and the predetermined diametral area of the flywheel. By means of this clamping device, the flywheel and clutch housing can be held in a non-positive connection with one another.

Abstract: An annular collar includes a first clamping surface to be positioned radially outwardly of a surface of a bearing inner ring. The annular collar is made of a thermoelastic material such that an increase in temperature decreases the circumference of the annular collar and causes the first clamping surface to clamp against the surface of the bearing inner ring. The thermoelastic material may be a shape memory alloy or a polymer.

Abstract: A process is described which serves to assemble a synchronizer for a gear change box, which synchronizer comprises a hub provided with a slidable sleeve and at least one cone coupling comprising a double-conical ring, which is freely rotatable relative to the hub and is adapted to be non-positively gripped between an inner friction ring, which is connected to the hub, and a synchronizing outer ring, which is axially displaceable relative to the friction ring by the slidable sleeve, wherein the clutch in an engaged position is moved to engage the synchronizing outer ring with a locating abutment to ensure an axial lost motion between the synchronizing ring and the hub, and the friction ring is subsequently axially fixed to the hub and thereafter the locating abutment is removed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides nozzles for vessels such as a pressurizer vessel, reactor vessel or piping in a nuclear power facility, and methods for attaching and sealing the nozzles to the vessels without any welding at all, i.e., without using a structural or seal weld. The nozzles are clamped or bolted to the vessel or attached by an interference fit, and a mechanical seal is obtained using gasket material and/or contacting, preferably polished, metal surfaces. Some embodiments of clamping the nozzle to the vessel comprise tightening a nut on the threaded end of the nozzle projecting from the bore in the vessel against the vessel, and structure which prevents the nozzle from being withdrawn through the bore, thereby clamping the nozzle against the vessel. Another embodiment of clamping a nozzle to the vessel comprises a sleeve threaded in the bore and forcing an interfering portion of the nozzle body into engagement with the bore.

Abstract: In a thin film process system, an anti-contamination device, anti-flake shield or collimator plate, is fit to a process chamber. By maintaining a temperature differential between the chamber body and the device, or between the device and any adapter used to conform the device to the chamber apparatus, the device expands to maintain a substantially sealing press fit to the chamber body. The temperature differential can be maintained even when the process is finished until it is time to remove the device for cleaning or disposal and replacement.

Abstract: A grommet or the like comprised of elastomeric material and having a passage formed therein is placed onto a mandrel which serves to resiliently expand the cross-sectional area of the passage; the mandrel while holding the passage to the expanded cross-sectional area places the grommet or the like in an area of cold temperature to effectively freeze the grommet or the like and thereby stabilize the expanded cross-sectional area by, through such freezing, eliminating the resilient characteristics of the elastomeric material; the stabilized grommet or the like, removed from the mandrel, is then easily slid onto a related cooperating carrier wherein the outer configuration and size of the carrier is less than that of the stabilized expanded cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An improved tool holder system and method of using the same is disclosed, characterized by use of a plural extension member assemblies which permit the rapid adaptation of conventional machine tool holders for use in both automated machine tool changers as well as manual machine tool changer systems. In addition, the present invention discloses an improved method of mounting a cutting tool within a tool holder to accurately position the cutting tool height within the tool holder and subsequently prevent any backing out of the cutting tool from the tool holder during the cutting operation. Further, an improved apparatus and method of ensuring concentric mounting cutting tool within a tool holder is disclosed.

Abstract: A die assembly has at least one core (7), a male die supporter (8) and at least one female member (5). The male die supporter is composed of an annular base (15), a core holder (16) and bridges (17) formed integral with the annular base and the core holder. Each core (7) is shrinkage-fitted in and integral with a cylindrical recess (21) formed in the core holder. The die assembly further has a die retaining mechanism such that the pressure of the material being extruded causes a latchable member to engage with a latching member. Each female member (5) is shrinkage-fitted in and integral with the annular base (15), so that the die assembly can produce hollow articles free from any unevenness in wall thickness, the abraded portion of this assembly can be renewed inexpensively, and the core is surely protected from slipping off.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rotor for an electric machine, for example, a permanent-magnet excited rotor for a high-speed a.c. machine, the rotor including an inner part constituting a rotor body and an outer part including a capsule tube which, when the rotor is completed, surrounds the rotor body with a shrinkage fit, includes fixing a first of the parts in a vertical direction in relation to a counter-support, and releasing the second part from a location above the first part so that it will fall within the fixed first part under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: A robotic system for inserting cylinder liners into the cylinder block from an internal combustion engine includes an articulated robot arm for cycling an end effector between a dunnage unloading position and a cylinder insertion position. The end effector, which is attached to the robot arm, picks liners from dunnage and places the liners in the cylinder bores of the cylinder block. The end effector includes remotely deployable combination teeth for gripping the liners to permit removal from their dunnage and for aligning the end effector and liner into the cylinder bores to permit insertion of the liners.

Abstract: A cylindrical pin couples a driven member, such as a rotor, to a driving shaft by means of axially and angularly aligned cylindrical grooves in the shaft and driven member defining a cylindrical cavity for receiving the pin. The pin fits in the defined cavity and radially bridges the space between the shaft and the driven member to link the two together. The shaft and pin are formed of a metal having a lower thermal coefficient of expansion characteristic than the metal forming the driven member. Torque, applied by the shaft, is applied to the rotor distributed over a portion of the cylindrical side walls of the pin.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for heating a portion of an article comprised of nickel, formed by electrodeposition, and possessing an internal stress sufficient to shrink the outer cross-sectional dimension upon application of heat, thereby shrinking the outer cross-sectional dimension of the heated portion. The method may be used to couple the article to other members such as end flanges without the use of an adhesive.

Abstract: A removable and replaceable cover assembly for use on an anvil roll in a rotary die cutter in combination with a die roll equipped with non-serrated cutting blades consists essentially of inner and outer tubular layers of elastomeric material of different degrees of hardness, the outer layer being substantially harder than the inner layer. Since this tubular cover must be mounted on an anvil roll by relative endwise movement, the cover is disclosed in combination with a rotary die cutter having special provision for temporary removal, recovering and remounting of the anvil roll.

Abstract: A constant section gasket based on elastomer, plastic, or like material, the gasket comprising a constant section element that is extruded or molded in at least one material selected from elastomers, plastic, thermoplastic elastomers, and like materials. The gasket also includes a sole-piece for fixing on a support(s), in particular a metal part of car bodywork, with the sole-piece being fixed thereto by means of an induction heating machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembled steam turbine with at least one balancing ring. The assembled steam turbine includes a shaft rotatable about an axis and a housing, defining a machine interior. The housing has first and second axially-spaced end walls, with the shaft extending through the first end wall. A first bearing and a second bearing rotatably support the shaft. The first and second bearings are axially spaced along the shaft and at least the first bearing is positioned outside the machine interior, proximate the first end wall of the housing. At least one balancing ring which has a plurality of radial holes is coaxially-mounted on the shaft outside the machine interior between the first end wall of the housing and the first bearing. A method for balancing the assembled steam turbine disclosed above includes several steps.

Abstract: The method for securely attaching a radiopaque marker device to a medical instrument, such as a catheter, comprises the steps of providing a medical instrument, providing a marker device formed of a radiopaque shape-memory material, such as Nitinol, having a deformed configuration while at a first temperature, positioning the marker device adjacent the catheter, and changing the first temperature of the shape-memory material to a second temperature sufficient to cause the shape-memory material to transform from the deformed configuration to an original configuration so that the marker device engages the catheter upon return of the shape-memory material to the original configuration. The marker device may include a cylindrical band positioned concentrically around a tubular portion of the instrument so that heating of the shape-memory material is sufficient to allow the band to melt the tubular portion and move into embedded engagement with the tubular portion when in the original configuration.

Abstract: A threaded fastener with a shape memory alloy (SMA) coatings on its threads is disclosed. The fastener has special usefulness in high temperature applications where high reliability is important. The SMA coated fastener is threaded into or onto a mating threaded part at room temperature to produce a fastened object. The SMA coating is distorted during the assembly. At elevated temperatures the coating tries to recover its original shape and thereby exerts locking forces on the threads. When the fastened object is returned to room temperature the locking forces dissipate. Consequently the threaded fasteners can be readily disassembled at room temperature but remains securely fastened at high temperatures.A spray technique is disclosed as a particularly useful method of coating of threads of a fastener with a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A web takeup roll includes a web takeup core and a shape-memory resin layer provided on an outer circumference of the web takeup core. In the present web takeup roll, a modulus of elasticity of the shape-memory resin layer changes with temperature.

Abstract: Improved B and C backing bearing assemblies and second intermediate idler rolls, characterized by greatly reduced transverse rigidity, for use in 20-high cluster mills having a 1-2-3-4 roll arrangement. On each of the B and C backing assemblies, spacers are used to provide narrow gaps between the roller bearings and the shaft eccentrics so that they do not form a rigid tube about the shafts of the B and C backing bearing assemblies. Segmented bridge elements are provided to transfer the load from the middle to each side of each roller bearing. Tie means, tying all the parts together axially (including the roller bearings the eccentrics, the bridge means and the spacing means), are provided in a form which is flexible in transverse bending. The idler roll of the second intermediate rolls constitutes a solid, rod-like, transversely flexible core, mounting a series of slightly spaced rings to form the roll body.

Abstract: A method for minimizing thermal overhead in an integrated circuit package is described. A heat sink having a base is integrally formed into the package. The base is connected to the die, and a portion of the heat sink projects from the package, forming a post. A heat transfer assembly having a shaft with an aperture is heated until the aperture expands sufficiently to allow the heat transfer assembly to be fitted on the post with a minimum of force. Upon cooling, a tight joint is formed between the heat sink and the heat transfer assembly.

Abstract: The invention teaches a method of manufacturing a torsional vibration damper in which a metal hub ring and a metal inertia ring surrounding the hub ring are radially spaced apart by a gap. A spring body of rubber-elastic material is fired into the gap with the aid of a lubricant, the spring body and/or the surfaces of hub and/or inertia ring facing the gap being wetted with a lubricant composed of a water-salt solution prior to insertion of the spring body.

Abstract: A method for assembling a part, such as a spool valve into a bore of a body, such as a transmission valve body. A vacuum means creates suction within the bore in the direction of insertion of the spool valve. A gripper tool attached to a robotic arm supports the spool valve with a light vacuum pressure and maneuvers the spool valve, aligning it sufficiently close to allow the suction in the bore and gravity to pull the spool valve free of the suction of the gripper tool and into the bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing suture-needle assemblies in which the suture thread is connected to the needle shank through the provision of heat shrinkable tubing. The apparatus for securing the heat shrink tubing to the shank of the needle essentially comprises a needle holder, a heat source, a video camera and monitor device and means for insuring heating of the tubing only at the shank. An apparatus is also disclosed for securing the suture thread to the needle shank where the needle shank is already provided with the heat shrink tubing secured thereon. The apparatus for securing the suture thread to the needle shank includes a needle holder, a heat source, a heat cover to create a heating chamber, as well as video camera and monitor means to enlarge the image for an operator, as well as temperature regulating equipment.

Abstract: A method of constructing a double-walled tank includes forming the two containers, and removing the top of the containment shell and filling it with hot water so that the containment shell expands temporarily increasing the diameter of the side wall of the containment shell. The primary container is positioned in alignment over the containment shell and is lowered into contact with the hot water, and is filled with cold water of a temperature at least about 70.degree. F. less than the temperature of the hot water so that the primary container contracts temporarily decreasing the diameter of the side wall of the primary container, and allowing the primary container to sink into the containment shell while displacing the hot water from the containment shell until the primary container is resting on the bottom of the containment shell.

Abstract: In a method of assembling a double-row ball bearing of a preload-type, which includes a step of inserting a plurality of balls in a crescent-shaped gap formed between an outer race and an inner race which is deviated with respect to the outer race, a step of distributing the balls between the outer and inner races at equal intervals, and a step of disposing the outer race and the inner race concentrically with respect to each other, a step of producing a temperature difference is performed before the step of distributing the balls at equal intervals. In the step of producing temperature difference, the outer race is heated by a heating coil surrounding the outer race to expand the outer race.

Abstract: In a thin film process system, an anti-contamination device, anti-flake shield or collimator plate, is fit to a process chamber. By maintaining a temperature differential between the chamber body and the device, or between the device and any adapter used to conform the device to the chamber apparatus, the device expands to maintain a substantially sealing press fit to the chamber body. The temperature differential can be maintained even when the process is finished until it is time to remove the device for cleaning or disposal and replacement.

Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine that includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced ceramic vanes, each of which has an inner and outer ceramic shroud, and a ceramic post extending from one of the shrouds, and a metallic platform having a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses. The posts are inserted into a metallic sleeve and then brazed. The brazed sleeves are then mounted in the recesses. A method for assembling these components to form the stator assembly is also described.

Abstract: A coupler for joining a polymeric elongate substrate to another substrate, comprising:(1) a tubular element containing an aperture; and(2) a penetrating member which is secured to the tubular element and which can move from a rest position to a working position wherein, in the working position, a portion of the penetrating member passes through the aperture and penetrates the surface of the elongate substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a sleeve of heat-shrink material (a "band") to a container comprises a rotary drum having a plurality of upstanding heads. A web of banding material is intermittently advanced and lengths cut off, each cut length being held by fingers in the path of a gripper head mounted on the rotary drum. Each head has forward-facing vacuum port through which air is drawn on a timed basis, so that a band 30 will be picked-up and held by one side face as the gripper head passes the fingers. The resilience of the banding material allows the band partially to open out as it is transferred by the gripper head. The rotation of the drum is synchronized to advancement of the containers, so that a held band is rolled on to the top of a container, the container serving to assist in the opening-out of the band, whereat the band is released by the gripper head.

Abstract: A filter septum is constructed with a stainless steel sheet microscreen element which has uniformly distributed apertures through which a liquid to be filtered is passed from an inlet side to an exit side of the element. The apertures are preferably tapered from a larger diameter at the inlet side to a smaller diameter at the exit side of the microscreen element. A supporting metal base plate having rows of uniformly distributed holes which are larger then the apertures is brazed to the microscreen element bonding the exit side of the microscreen element to the inlet side of the base plate. Preferably the inlet side of the microscreen element is Teflon.RTM. coated.

Abstract: A method for making a screen includes preparing a plurality of elongated supporting plates, each of which being formed with a plurality of transversely and spacedly arranged grooves, and arranging the elongated supporting plates spacedly in a parallel manner to align the grooves on one of the elongated supporting plates with the grooves on an adjacent one of the elongated supporting plates; preparing a plurality of elongated bars, each of which being formed integrally with a longitudinal constricted portion, the longitudinal constricted portion normally having a transverse width wider than that of the grooves; heating the elongated supporting plates to expand the grooves; inserting the longitudinal constricted portion of each of the elongated bars into expanded grooves in order to juxtapose parallel the elongated bars and to form slots therebetween; and cooling the elongated supporting plates in order to permit contraction of the elongated supporting plates and the grooves so as to hold tightly the elongated

Abstract: A hose construction and method of making the same are provided, the hose construction comprising a tubular flexible hose having opposite ends, fastening structure, and a clamp fastened to one of the opposite ends of the hose by the fastening structure for substantially circumferentially and radially inwardly clamping the one of the opposite ends of the hose onto a member that has been inserted into the one of the opposite ends of the hose, the fastening structure comprising a tube of heat shrinkable material disposed over and against part of the clamp and having opposite annular side sections respectively disposed outboard of the clamp and having been heat shrunk to circumferentially and radially inwardly engage against the one of the opposite ends of the hose to hold the clamp thereon.

Abstract: A method of using an apparatus for straightening a propeller having an arbor press with two opposed inner surfaces. The opposed surfaces are spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow a propeller to fit between them with one opposed surface extending beyond the second opposed surface. Two pads are mounted on the first inner surface to support the propeller during the straightening procedure. One or both of the pads may be adjustable to more precisely locate the points of pressure that will be applied to the propeller to straighten it. A ram is mounted on the second inner surface to apply pressure to the propeller. A reinforcing ridge may be attached to the outer surface of the arbor press to provide rigidity during the propeller straightening procedure. To allow precision manipulation of the device under water, a floatation collar is fixed to the arbor press or the reinforcing ridge. The floatation has sufficient buoyancy to counteract the weight of the apparatus when under water.