Abstract: A flywheel assembly for a prime mover includes a flywheel and a ring gear. The flywheel has a first plurality of apertures for receiving a first plurality of fasteners for fixing the flywheel to a prime mover, a first cylindrical ring portion including a first outer diameter, a second cylindrical ring portion at a first distal end of the first cylindrical ring portion and including a second outer diameter, larger than the first outer diameter, and a third cylindrical ring portion at a second distal end of the first cylindrical ring portion, opposite the first distal end, and including a third outer diameter, larger than the second outer diameter. The flywheel also has a first wall connecting the first distal end of the first cylindrical ring and a third distal end of the second cylindrical ring portion. The ring gear is engaged with the first cylindrical ring portion.

Abstract: A camshaft for an internal combustion engine may include a shaft and at least one component that is joined to said shaft. The component may be connected via a joint surface of the component to a joint surface of the shaft. At least one of the joint surface of the component and the joint surface of the shaft may have a predefined roughness only partially on load-critical regions.

Abstract: A stator assembly for a progressing cavity pump is provided. The stator assembly includes a number of stator laminates having a planar body defining a primary, inner passage and a number of outer passages, the outer passages disposed effectively adjacent the inner passage whereby the inner passage is at least partially defined by a band, wherein the band is outwardly flexible. The stator laminates are coupled to each other in a stack wherein the stator laminate body inner passages define a helical passage. The helical passage is a flexible helical passage.

Abstract: A golf club head is composed of a head main body comprising a face portion, a crown portion and a sole portion, and having a hollow, and a weight member disposed in the hollow of the head main body. The weight member is fixed to a toe side of the head main body at a toe side end portion and fixed to a heel side of the head main body at a heel side end portion so as not to contact with the inner surface of the head main body between the toe side end portion and heel side end portion. The cross-sectional area of the weight member is decreased in a central portion in the toe-heel direction than its heel side and toe side.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes inflating the delivery balloon during a diameter reduction to improve scaffold retention. A crimping temperature is maintained at about the onset of glass transition of the polymer material to facilitate more rapid stabilization of mechanical properties in the scaffold following crimping.

Abstract: A method for crimping a stent with a PC polymer coating in a humid environment is disclosed.

Abstract: Fit and finish methods using shape memory polymers (“SMP”) are disclosed herein. In an example of the fit and finish method, a first part and a second part are positioned adjacent to one another such that a shape memory polymer in a temporary shape is adjacent to a gap between the first part and the second part. The SMP is heated to a switching temperature of the SMP, which causes the SMP to initiate conversion to a permanent shape so that the SMP extends into the gap to close the gap between the first part and the second part.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a pressure vessel having a first end with a first boss and a cylindrical portion. The vessel includes a liner, a composite shell disposed over the liner, and a first longitudinal vent disposed between the liner and the composite shell. The first longitudinal vent includes an elongated vent defining element and extends at least from the cylindrical portion of the vessel to the first boss.

Abstract: A flexible connection for use between a vertical, large diameter cold water conveying pipe and a floating platform that supports the cold water conveying pipe or another pipe to permit the pipe and the platform to rotate in roll and pitch directions relative to one another without imposing excessive bending moments or strain on the cold water pipe. The flexible connection also contains internal and external pressure across the connection. The flexible connection includes an articulation mechanism that interconnects the vertical cold water conveying pipe and the platform or a pipe on the platform, and a flexible, fluid impermeable bellows.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.

Abstract: Provided is a self-closing and automatically fitting device for packaging (e.g. shrink wrapping, fasteners, enclosures of objects). The device includes a wrapping material and/or closure bands/straps which are made of a shape memory material and a non-shape memory material. The device also includes at least one pair of clasp members attached to the wrapping material and/or closure bands/straps. Upon stimulation by a trigger source, the shape memory material deforms and brings the wrapping material to self-assemble about an object to be packed. The self-assembly of the wrapping material and/or closure bands/straps further brings the two clasp members close to each other and facilitate the clasp thereof to form a self-assembled and closed package. The device may also include a motor, a control unit, and sensors which enable a motor actuated fine tensioning of the self-assembled and closed package.

Abstract: An apparatus to reduce wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface, including a metal layer configured for insertion between a surface interface between a CMC component and a metal component. The surface interface of the metal layer is compliant relative to asperities of the surface interface of the CMC component. A coefficient of friction between the surface interface of the CMC component and the metal component is about 1.0 or less at an operating temperature between about 300° C. to about 325° C. and a limiting temperature of the metal component.

Abstract: A device for positioning multiple function elements having a recess for receiving a shaft in a predetermined angle position may include multiple mountings for receiving the function elements. The mountings may be equipped with a molding establishing the predetermined angle position of the respective function element corresponding to the angle position on the shaft. The mountings may be positioned such that the recesses of the function elements lie on a common straight line. The mountings may be arranged vertically on top of one another so that the common straight line runs in vertical direction. A vertically moveable guide carriage for the shaft may be provided for joining the shaft with the function elements in vertical direction.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: In a two-pulse rocket motor provided with a pressure vessel, a first propellant placed within the pressure vessel that burns during a first pulse stage, a second propellant placed within the pressure vessel that burns during a second pulse stage following the first pulse stage, and a barrier membrane placed so as to cover the entire initial burning surface of the second propellant, wherein the barrier membrane is provided with an inner barrier membrane that covers the inner peripheral surface of the second propellant and an aft barrier membrane that covers the rear surface of the second propellant, and an end portion where the aft barrier membrane and the inner barrier membrane meet is joined over the entire circumference thereof. The ignition device includes an energy supply unit, an energy transfer unit connected at one end to the energy supply unit, and an ignition unit.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a coupling element for coupling a first shaft to a second shaft, the second shaft being substantially axially aligned with the first shaft, the coupling element provided with an exterior surface that engages an opposing interior surface of the first shaft and an interior surface that engages an opposing exterior surface of the second shaft to facilitate torque transfer between the first shaft and the second shaft when rotated together, wherein the coupling element and at least one of the first and second shafts cooperate to define at least one fluid passageway therebetween.

Abstract: Layered metal deposition by fusion thereof onto a surface of an engineered structural member, without degrading structural performance. The net shape of an exterior member is defined, including a fusion contact area. The structural member is preheated below its maximum operating temperature. An energy beam and feedstock are directed to a feed point in the fusion area, thereby forming a molten puddle fusing the materials together. The feed point is moved relative to the structural member, thereby advancing the molten puddle of presently fed feedstock and rapidly solidifying previously fed feedstock. The energy beam power is modulated to control the size of the molten puddle so as not to exceed a predetermined depth of penetration of the fusion region into the structural member. Advancing the feed point sequentially fuses feedstock into the defined net shape on the structural member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to manufacturing processes for manufacturing a single piece of thermostatic pipe from a length of pipe with a female end that is reinforced by a band of reinforcing material extending around the female end. When the pipe and a similar adjacent pipe are threaded together, the band of reinforcing material helps protect the female end against failure due to hoop stresses and/or lateral stresses. In this regard, the reinforcing material is any material with a higher resistance to hoop stresses and/or lateral stresses than the material from which the pipe is made.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes inflating the delivery balloon during a diameter reduction to improve scaffold retention. A crimping temperature is maintained at about the onset of glass transition of the polymer material to facilitate more rapid stabilization of mechanical properties in the scaffold following crimping.

Abstract: A cylinder body includes a cylinder hole and a discharge flow passage. The cylinder hole receives a plunger and forms a pressurizing chamber in one axial end portion thereof. The discharge flow passage is connected to the pressurizing chamber and is adapted to guide and discharge the pressurized fuel from the pressurizing chamber to an outside of the housing. A connection opening of the discharge flow passage is formed in a hole wall of the cylinder hole. A pressure is applied to a predetermined prestressing subject area in the hole wall of the cylinder hole and a passage wall of the discharge flow passage through autofrettage to generate a residual compression stress in the predetermined prestressing subject area and thereby to form a prestressed area of a final product. The prestressing subject area includes an inner peripheral edge of the connection opening.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a workspace for receiving a stent and a delivery device for the stent; a source for exposing the stent in the workspace to a plasticizing agent, vapor, or moisture, wherein the stent can be reduced in diameter in the workspace while under exposure of the plasticizing agent, vapor or moisture; and a device for reducing the diameter of the stent in the workspace to position the stent on or within the delivery device.

Abstract: A sealing and restraint mechanism operable to couple pipes having a restraint mechanism with a cavity formed in an interior region, and a gripping insert operable to be received within the cavity. The cavity of the restraint mechanism is at least partially defined by a stop and a shoulder. The gripping insert is operable to slide along the cavity and between the stop and the shoulder of the restraint mechanism such that, when the gripping insert slides toward the stop, the gripping insert is biased toward one of the pipes by the restraint mechanism.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for personalizing prosthetic and orthotic devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of personalizing a portion of a device configured to be worn by a wearer as at least one of a prosthetic or an orthosis may include facilitating an application of a wearer-selected artwork to the portion of the device. For example, in various specific embodiments, the facilitating an application of a wearer-selected artwork to the portion of the device may include creating a portion of material having a wearer-specified personalization artwork, and providing the portion of material having the wearer-specified personalization artwork to at least one of the wearer or a third party for application onto the portion of the device. In some embodiments, the portion of material may be provided to at least one of the wearer or a third party for application when the portion of the device is being fabricated.

Abstract: A welding tool for joining at least two workpieces by friction stir welding includes a pin for applying frictional heat to the workpieces. The pin includes a first pin region formed from a first material and a second pin region formed from a second material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating an integral assembly formed from a transparent member and a housing formed at least in part of a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. The methods and systems create integral transparent member and amorphous metal alloy-containing parts using thermoplastic molding techniques in which the amorphous metal is molded to the transparent member in a thermoplastic, not liquid, state.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf clubs with grooves and methods of manufacture thereof are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A tool for shrink-fitting mechanical parts includes a fixed portion, a movable portion movable relative to the fixed portion, a support for a part to be shrink-fitted, a docking part for docking the tool on a hoop, and an actuator displacing the movable portion when the part to be shrink-fitted is detected in a shrink-fitting position on the hoop receiving the part. In particular, the fixed portion includes a fixed jaw and a housing, and the movable portion includes a movable jaw and a housing. The support and the docking part are disposed in the corresponding housing, respectively, so that the support and the docking part determine sets of parts to be shrink-fitted and/or of hoop parts for the tool. The housings dispose on the tool the docking part and the support with geometric reference to the hoop.

Abstract: A rotary cutting tool having a monolithic carbide cutting member defining a carbide cutting head and a carbide shaft extending outwardly from the cutting head. The shaft includes a conduit in fluid communication with a port for delivering coolant and/or lubricating fluid to an interface between the cutting tool and a work piece. The cutting head defines a peripheral portion and a plurality of carbide cutting edges alternating with flutes in the peripheral portion. The cutting head, the shaft, and the cutting edges are formed integrally with one another. A shank portion defines an elongated bore, and the shaft is received in the bore in a shrink-fit relationship, wherein the shaft of the cutting member is fixed against movement relative to the shank portion.

Abstract: A micro-coupling active release mechanism including a shape memory alloy (SMA) cylindrical ring that is fit into a bushing or other mating attachment creating an interference joint held in place by frictional forces. The interference joint can be released upon actuation in which the SMA cylindrical ring is heated causing it to shrink in size, relieving the frictional forces of the interference joint thereby releasing the SMA cylindrical ring from the bushing or other mating attachment.

Abstract: Medical device components and processes are disclosed. For example, tube-shaped catheter components and processes of making tube-shaped catheter components are disclosed. Devices and systems, including medical devices and systems, such as catheters, containing tube-shaped catheter components are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of joining a magnesium substrate to a second substrate are provided. A region of the magnesium substrate and a region of the second substrate are aligned to provide an overlap. A region of the overlap is deformed to provide a joint. A polymeric material is disposed in the joint to secure together the magnesium substrate and the second substrate. The joining of the magnesium substrate and the second substrate is facilitated by using a die in various aspects.

Abstract: A method for temporarily sealing a turbocharger compressor outlet and the seal for doing same are disclosed. The seal may include a layer of lubricant, a cover, and a layer of heat-shrink material. The seal creates a temporary water-tight seal around a turbocharger compressor outlet preventing damage to the inside of the turbocharger while the turbocharger is not in use.

Abstract: A connection element consists of a longitudinally oriented support structure that is at least partially hollow and a sensor unit that is arranged in the inside of the support structure, is connected to a signal transmission device, and is non-positively connected to the support structure. The required force for the non-positive connection is produced by internal stresses after a plastic deformation of the support structure during a joining process of the support structure and the sensor unit. A method for manufacturing a connection element consisting of a support structure that is at least partially hollow and a sensor unit includes positioning the sensor unit in a region of the support structure and, using radially movable tool segments, exerting a force on the support structure in the radial direction and at the same time reducing the periphery of the support structure in the region in which the sensor unit is positioned.

Abstract: A pulling eye insert to be used as part of a pulling assembly for pre-connectorized fiber-optic cable is described. The pulling eye insert has a channel configured to encircle the cable integrally connected to a cup configured to enclose and engage a transition of the pre-connectorized cable. In one embodiment, the pulling eye insert, can be formed of two indentical halves, each half having a raised ridge and groove on opposite end faces of the semi-cylindrical wall which forms the channel.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper device having a first wiper blade unit (10) and at least a second wiper blade unit (12). It is proposed that the first and second wiper blade units (10, 12) be connected by means of a shrink -fit connection and/or expansion connection.

Abstract: A method to join a first structure to a second structure comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state. The method further comprises heating the fastener above an austenite start transition temperature.

Abstract: A method for securing handlebar tape to a bicycle handlebar is provided comprising wrapping a length of handlebar tape along a length of handlebar; positioning a length of a heat-shrinkable sleeve so that it overlaps the terminal end of the handlebar tape; and heating the sleeve so that it substantially uniformly contracts to secure the terminal end of the handlebar tape to the handlebar. A handlebar assembly for a bicycle is also provided comprising a handlebar; handlebar tape covering a selected length of the handlebar; and a heat shrinkable sleeve overlapping the terminal end of the handlebar tape to secure the end of the handlebar tape to the handlebar.

Abstract: A medical device- includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: A personal-care appliance having a handle defining a cavity. A fluid connector is positioned within the cavity. A fluid reservoir is positioned within the cavity. The fluid reservoir has a frangible seal that is spaced apart from the fluid connector. A cover is mounted to the handle over the cavity.

Abstract: A seal ring for sealing a container. A seal ring has a base and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, a radially outer portion, and an inner seal. The radially outer portion has a locking band that is configured to lock beneath an external engagement element of a container so as to secure the seal ring thereto. The inner seal is configured to be biased into sealing engagement with an inner finish surface of the container. The seal ring may be part of a package includes a container having a finish that comprises a sealing lip, an external engagement element, and an inner surface, and a foil sealingly and removably coupled to the base of the seal ring.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of heat conductive device for an LED has steps of forming a heat sink and an engagement recess in the heat sink by cold forge, punching a heat-conducting disc to form an LED carrier having a mounting portion and a heat-conducting wall formed around the mounting portion, soldering multiple LEDs on the LED carrier, and heating the heat sink to thermally expand the heat sink and assembling the LED carrier and the heat sink so that the heat-conducting wall is assembled with the engagement recess and further chilling the heat sink to thermally retract and tightly hold the LED carrier. The manufacturing method increases contact area and reduces air gaps between the LED carrier and the heat sink to effectively enhance the heat-conducting efficiency of the LED carrier so that the LEDs are operated at a suitable operating temperature to secure a prolonged life duration.

Abstract: Methods of joining pipe section and joined pipe assemblies are described. The pipe sections, e.g., pipes and couplers, are joined by a mechanical interference bond formed using a shape memory polymer key. The key can be inserted into a first keyway of one pipe section, the pipes fitted to align first keyway with a second keyway of the second pipe section, and the shape memory polymer activated to at least partially fill both keyways.

Abstract: According to the invention, an extendable member is disclosed. The extendable member may include a structure having a first state and a second state. The structure may be deformable between the first state and the second state. In the first state the structure may include a compact form. In the second state the structure may include a hollow longeron having a slit along the entire length of the hollow longeron. One or both longitudinal edges along the slit of the hollow longeron may have lateral protrusions. The lateral protrusions of a longitudinal edge may act in such a way with the other edge, and possibly its protrusions, to at least partially inhibit relative motion of the edges.

Abstract: A releasable connection connects a first component to a second component. The second component includes and is manufactured from a Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), and defines a pocket. The first component includes a portion disposed within the pocket. The pocket is deformed from an initial shape permitting insertion of the portion into the pocket to assembly the releasable connection into a connected shape wherein the pocket is deformed to secure the first component relative to the second component. The pocket is transformed from the initial shape into the connected shape by heating the SMP material of the second component to a switching temperature. Re-heating the SMP second component to the switching temperature returns the pocket back to the initial shape from the connected shape to disassembly the releasable connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glazed module comprising a metal framework and an insulating glazing comprising a water-tight barrier, said insulating glazing being cold-bent, the metal framework and the insulating glazing being rendered integral by a holding means which forces the insulating glazing to retain the bent shape conferred on it by the framework. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the glazed module comprising a metal framework and an insulating glazing, the insulating glazing being cold-bent, after it has been assembled with a water-tight barrier, by a force which causes it to take the shape of the metal framework and then held in this bent shape by a holding means.

Abstract: A bearing frame or cylinder head cover of an internal combustion engine may include at least one camshaft mounted therein. The camshaft may be tunnel-mounted in at least two bearing openings arranged along a bearing channel. The bearing openings may enclose the camshaft. At least one axial bearing disc may be arranged on the camshaft. The bearing frame or cylinder head cover may have at least one recess which is open towards the camshaft. The at least one recess may be configured to circumferentially guide the axial bearing disc via two opposing axial bearing end faces of the axial bearing disc interacting with a side wall region of at least one side wall of the at least one recess, thereby forming an axial bearing for the camshaft.

Abstract: A cooling and retaining body for holding heating elements, in particular PTC heating elements, having a heating-element holder, in which the heating elements are mounted. The heating element holder has a plurality of circumferentially distributed accommodating regions, in each of which at least one heating element is arranged, wherein the accommodating regions are formed between an outer part and an inner part, which is arranged in the outer part, and at least the outer part has a polygonal profile with a number of corners connected by sides, wherein the accommodating regions are arranged in the corners of the polygonal profile, and the sides of the polygonal profile are deformed elastically in order to generate a clamping force which acts on the respective heating elements.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to method by which a leak-proof connection may be made to a refrigeration device using shape memory characteristics of crosslinking and overmolding to affect the leak-proof connection.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer stent scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A process for forming the medical device includes placing the scaffold on a support supported by an alignment carriage, and deionizing the scaffold to remove any static charge buildup on the scaffold before placing the scaffold within a crimper to reduce the scaffold's diameter. The polymer scaffold is heated to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve scaffold retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the scaffold when deployed to support a body lumen.