Abstract: A method for producing a fluidic connection component for chromatography is described. A connection component includes a main body and at least one insert held in the main body. The main body is prefabricated with an aperture for the at least one insert. The at least one insert is connected to the main body securely and fluidically tightly by a thermal process and by making use of a thermal expansion of the main body and/or of the insert that occurs during the thermal process. The method may include a thermally induced change in volume of the main body and/or of the insert that is retained after completion of the thermal process. The material and the geometry of the main body and of the insert and the thermal process are chosen such that, after completion of the thermal treatment, there is a secure and fluidically tight connection.

Abstract: A testing probe card for wafer level testing semiconductor IC packaged devices. The card includes a circuit board including testing circuitry and a testing probe head. The probe head includes a probe array having a plurality of metallic testing probes attached to a substrate including a plurality of conductive vias. In one embodiment, the probes have a relatively rigid construction and have one end that may be electrically coupled to the vias using a flip chip assembly solder reflow process. In one embodiment, the probes may be formed from a monolithic block of conductive material using reverse wire electric discharge machining.

Abstract: A method of assembling an optical relay assembly including forming a line of optical components within an optical component aligning groove of a first base member and directing the line of optical components from the optical component receiving groove into a cylinder covered by a shrinkable tube. The cylinder, line of optical components and shrinkable tube are then positioned within a cylinder receiving groove of a second base member and the line of optical components are extruded from the cylinder into the shrinkable tube. The line of optical components and shrinkable tube are advanced along the cylinder receiving groove and through a heating area for shrinking the shrinkable tube about the line of optical components.

Abstract: A method of fitting a compressed component, for example a pipe, in a receiver, for example a bore, comprises compressing a selected component which is made out of a polymeric material having a glass transition temperature of at least 100° C., for example polyetheretherketone; arranging the compressed component in position within a receiver; and subjecting the compressed component to conditions, for example of temperature and/or pressure, whereby the compressed component expands.

Abstract: Fiber optic modules having pigtails and related strain relief constructions for the fiber optic harness are disclosed. The fiber optic module assembly has a fiber pigtail exiting module, the assembly includes a main body of the module defining an internal chamber disposed between a first side and a second side, a plurality of fiber optic components disposed at the first side of the module, and a fiber optic harness including the fiber pigtail. The fiber optic harness includes a plurality of optical fibers within a portion of a protective tube on the pigtail portion and a strain-relief assembly for inhibiting movement between the optical fibers and protective tube. Consequently, the strain-relief assembly secures the plurality of optical fibers and the protective tube to the main body of the module.

Abstract: A method for locking a nut with an inner thread, in which the ultimate tensile strength (Rm) and yield strength (Re) of the material constituting the nut are determined according to temperature. An optimal heating temperature is determined, at which a maximum of a relative plastic interval of the material is reached, said relative plastic interval being defined by the formula (Rm?Re)/Rm, and a maximum heating time is determined, above which the nut presents the risk of deterioration of its microstructure and/or of its initial mechanical strength. The nut is heated to a temperature substantially equal to said optimal temperature and for a heating time of less than said maximum time so that the initial microstructure and mechanical strength of the material constituting the nut are preserved, and a body of the nut is deformed locally by bending.

Abstract: A two-piece construction compaction cleat and method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed. The compactor includes a base member affixable to a compactor wheel and having a bottom portion and a center flange, with the center flange extending upwardly from the bottom portion to form an upper ridge and being generally aligned along a center line of the base member. The compactor cleat also includes a cap member secured to the base member and positioned thereover so as to cover at least a portion of the base member, with the cap member having an arrangement of openings configured to receive the center flange therein. The center flange of the base member and the arrangement of openings formed in the cap member are configured to provide for a size-on-size fit between the base member and the cap member, so as to secure the cap member to the base member.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes an outer jacket, an inner jacket telescopingly disposed within the outer jacket for movement along a longitudinal axis with a cavity defined between the inner and outer jackets. A bushing is radially disposed about the inner jacket within the cavity between the inner and outer jackets. The bushing includes at least one tab engaging the inner jacket to interconnect the bushing to the inner jacket and includes at least one radially projecting pad engaging the outer jacket to frictionally interconnect the bushing to the outer jacket for interlocking the inner and outer jackets.

Abstract: A dental implant for preventing elution of metal when applied within an oral cavity and preventing the occurrence of mismatching (bumpy occlusion or the like) when fixed in place, and its manufacturing method are provided. The abutment is manufactured through steps including molding a titanium molded body composition to obtain a titanium molded body, molding a ceramic molded body composition to obtain a ceramic molded body, assembling the titanium molded body and the ceramic molded body together to obtain an assembled body, degreasing the assembled body so that the titanium molded body becomes a titanium degreased body and the ceramic molded body becomes a ceramic degreased body, and sintering the assembled body to transform the titanium degreased body into a titanium member and to transform the ceramic degreased body into a ceramic member so that the titanium member and the ceramic member are firmly fixed and joined together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a suspension. In one embodiment, a method includes altering a temperature of a first suspension component and then pressing the first suspension component and a second suspension component into engagement while the temperature remains substantially altered.

Abstract: A torque tube includes a ring gear having a first axial end, a second axial end opposite the first axial end, an inner surface including a plurality of teeth, and an outer surface with a mating portion formed adjacent to the first axial end of the ring gear. The torque tube also includes a barrel portion joined to the second axial end of the ring gear at a radial location inward from a radial location of the mating portion. The barrel portion extends axially away from the ring gear.

Abstract: Fasteners for producing double blind joints where the fastener is not visible or accessible are provided. The fasteners comprise a shape memory polymer that may be used to fasten workpieces by heating the fasteners, inducing recovery of the original, permanent shape of the fasteners.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a receptacle repair insert, which may have an insert body with at least an outer surface. The outer surface may have a first shape and be effective to attach to a receptacle body having at least an inner surface with a second shape. The inner surface may define at least one orifice and the insert body may be effective to fit into the at least one orifice. The receptacle repair insert may also have at least one extension movably connected to the insert body wherein the extension is effective to create a door. The extension may block at least a portion of the at least one orifice. Further disclosed is a method for replacing at least one mailbox door using at least one embodiment of the receptacle repair insert.

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 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: 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 deliver device.

Abstract: A brake drum is provided having an inner drum defining an outboard, radially inwardly extending flange. The flange defines a first plurality of apertures configured to receive fasteners for coupling the inner drum to a wheel. The inner drum further defines a braking surface. The brake drum further includes an outer drum configured to receive the inner drum therein. The outer drum defines an outboard, radially inwardly extending flange defining a second plurality of apertures aligned with the first plurality of apertures and configured to receive the fasteners for coupling the outer drum to the wheel. The inner drum is comprised of a first material such as iron while the outer drum is comprised of a second material such as aluminum.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a cam shaft for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, which is supported on a cylinder head housing via at least one roller bearing, wherein provision is made for at least one thrust bearing, which supports the cam shaft in axial direction and which is embodied as ball or also as roller bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the assembly of a balance shaft unit for use in motor vehicles. The assembly includes a housing having a bearing section, a rotating component and at least one rolling element bearing for the axially fixed journaling of the rotating component in the bearing section of the housing. The rolling element bearing has a first ring section associated with the rotating component and a second ring section associated with the bearing section. First, the rolling element bearing is axially fixedly installed on the rotating component or in the bearing section. Next, the rotating component is cooled and/or the housing part is heated. Finally, the rotating component is introduced into the bearing section and is held until a temperature compensation has taken place between the rotating component and the housing such that a shrink-fit connection is established.

Abstract: A keyboard comprising a keyboard module, a support plate and at least one screw nut attached to the support plate.

Abstract: A product includes a container including a neck, and a fitment having a portion coupled to the neck of the container via an interference fit.

Abstract: A printer has a print head arranged to jet molten ink onto a surface, a transfix surface arranged to provide the surface for the print head, the transfix surface having a core and an outer shell of a predetermined grade of aluminum arranged on the core, the outer shell forming the surface for the print head. The printer also has a transport subsystem to transport a print substrate past the transfix surface such that the molten ink transfers from the transfix surface to the print substrate.

Abstract: Wear resistant metal ring thermally locked at a machined interface to a lightweight alloy roller coaster wheel body and method of machining and thermally locking.

Abstract: A shrink-fit tool (21) includes a tool and a toolholder, one of the tool (23) and the toolholder (25) having a male shank portion (27) and the other one of the tool (23) and the toolholder (25) having a body portion (29) including female opening (31) for receiving the shank portion (27), the female opening (31) being adapted to change in size upon heating the body portion (29) to receive the shank portion (27) and upon cooling of the body portion (29) to clamp the shank portion (27) by an interference fit. The shrink-fit tool (21) also includes a mechanical retention member (33) disposed between the shank portion (27) and the body portion (29) for mechanically retaining the shank portion (27) in the female opening (31) so that the shank portion (27) is in its only predetermined orientation relative to the body portion (29).

Abstract: An elongated product is formed such that first a core is formed, the outer surface of the core being made of plastic. Thereafter, a tubular metal layer is extruded such that the layer is seamless. When the metal layer is extruded, a clearance is allowed between the metal layer and the core. After the metal layer has cooled, the diameter of the metal layer is reduced such that the metal layer contacts the plastic core. Thereafter, the metal is annealed such that the flexibility of the metal layer increases.

Abstract: Distal access aspiration guide catheter system and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens are described. A Distal access aspiration guide catheter having a proximal, medial, and distal possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for dampening vibrations transmitted to a sensor assembly based on well drilling operations. Vibration isolators are distributed around a sensor assembly and retained in their desired location. The sensor assembly and retained vibration isolators are inserted in a shrinkable thin-walled tube and the thin-walled tube is shrunk to constrict the inner surface of the thin-walled tube, and the retained vibration isolators against the outer surface of the sensor assembly. Additionally, the constricted thin-walled tube restrains a wiring harness associated with the sensor assembly in a wire well traversing the axial direction of the sensor assembly.

Abstract: Various shape memory polymer (SMP) devices are disclosed. Many of these SMP devices can be used as attachment and/or release mechanisms for any number of different applications. These SMP devices can use various characteristics of the SMP material to allow for various shape changes. These shape changes, in some embodiments, can be used to provide for release and/or attachment devices, for example, SMP bolts, SMP screws, SMP collars, SMP pillars, SMP panels, and/or SMP rivets, to name a few. An SMP device can include a first geometric state and a second geometric shape. The first geometric shape can restrict motion of two distinct objects relative to one another and the second geometrical shape can allow motion of two distinct objects relative to one another.

Abstract: Methods of making bioabsorbable stents with grooved lumenal surfaces for enhanced re-endothelialization are disclosed. Methods include molding grooves on the lumenal surface of coated bioresorbable and durable stents. Methods further include molding grooves on lumenal surfaces of a bioresorbable tube and forming a scaffold from the tube.

Abstract: An attachment configuration for a vascular filter assembly including a self-expanding filter member attached to a catheter body and constrained from expansion in a first configuration by a constraining sheath is presented. The attachment configuration includes an outer tube of material that is overlaid over an end of the filter member and bonded to the catheter body through cutouts disposed through the end of the filter member.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include ferrule assemblies employing mechanical interfaces for optical fibers and related component and methods. The ferrule assemblies may be used in fiber optic connectors to precisely position the optical fiber relative to the ferrule to facilitate an optical connection with another optical device. In certain embodiments disclosed herein, the ferrule assemblies include a ferrule that includes an inner surface forming a ferrule bore. Each of the ferrules may also include an end portion of an optical fiber disposed in the ferrule bore. The inner surface of the ferrule bore abuts against an outer surface of the optical fiber to form a mechanical interface. In this manner, the mechanical interface secures the optical fiber within the ferrule bore and precisely positioned relative to the ferrule. This mechanical interface may eliminate the need for epoxy or other means to secure the optical fiber within the ferrule bore.

Abstract: An electronic device may have polarizer layers, color filter layers, thin-film-transistor layers, and other display layers. A display layer may be separated from structures such as a display cover layer formed from clear glass or plastic and a touch sensor layer mounted on an inner surface of the display cover layer by an air gap. Cavities within an electronic device housing may serve as a source of dust and other contaminants. The air gap may be sealed against dust intrusion from a cavity within an electronic device using a dust sealing structure. The dust sealing structure may have a rectangular ring shape that runs around a rectangular peripheral portion of a display layer. The dust sealing structure may be formed from a tape-based structure, an elastomeric structure, a compressible foam structure, or a cured liquid structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a wiper blades and to a wiper blade for wiping panes, in particular motor vehicle panes, comprising a support element (12) for receiving a wiper strip (14), to which a connecting device (20) is attached, which has a wiper blade-side part (15) having claw-like shoulders (50) surrounding the support element (12) at least in some regions. According to the invention, the wiper blade-side part (15) is pushed onto the support element with an only slightly larger inner width (44) than the thickness of the support element (12) and positioned, and is heat-treated after positioning.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for crimping a stent with a polymer coating onto a catheter for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or other intraluminal interventions. The method comprises crimping the stent onto a catheter when the polymer coating is at a target temperature other than ambient temperature. The polymer coating can optionally comprise drug(s).

Abstract: Mounting rings and methods for mounting structures to shafts are provided. The rings and methods may be used to mount other rings or housings to a shaft. The rings are characterized by having flexible inner diameters that can deflect under a radial load. The radial deflection of the inner diameter permits the rings to deflect and engage an outer diameter of a shaft. The engagement of the rings with a shaft provides at least some resistance to movement, for example, rotation and/or axial displacement, of the shaft relative to the ring and structure. In one aspect, the ring has a closed, hollow, construction, for example, a circular, oval, or polygonal closed, hollow construction. The ring may include a plurality of indentations, such as slots, on the inside diameter of the ring that may relieve at least some of the circumferential stress in the ring. Methods for using the rings to mount a structure to a shaft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pick tool comprising an insert and a steel holder for the insert, the insert comprising a superhard tip joined to a cemented carbide support body having an insertion shank; the steel holder comprising a shaft for connection to a tool carrier and provided with a bore configured for receiving the insertion shank; the volume of the cemented carbide support body being at least 6 cm3.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, assembling a multi-fiber multi-spot laser system includes heating a ferrule until an interior diameter of an interior volume of the ferrule has expanded to greater than a predetermined diameter. End portions of a number of optical fibers are disposed within the interior volume. The ferrule is cooled to allow a cross-section of the fibers to conform to a fiber pattern having the predetermined diameter. At least a portion of the ferrule is disposed within a connector body to yield at least a portion of an optical fiber connector. In certain embodiments, the ferrule is rotated with respect to the connector body to align the fiber pattern with a laser spot pattern.

Abstract: A textile covering, comprising an under-layer in contact with a rear face of a layer of textile fibres, and comprising an optical fibre housed inside a routing groove in the under-layer, an end portion of the optical fibre extending through the layer of textile fibres via a support device of the optical fibre. The support device comprises a fixing ring and a heat-shrink tubing covering part of the fixing ring and of the end portion. The fixing ring comprises a base in contact with the rear face and a cylindrical portion into which the end portion of the optical fibre is inserted. The textile covering may be used as carpet equipping the floor of an aircraft cabin.

Abstract: A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The crimping assembly includes a plurality of movable wedges disposed about a rotational axis to form a wedge assembly. Each wedge includes a respective first side and a second side converging to form a tip portion. The tip portions are arranged to collectively form an iris about the rotational axis thereof. The iris defines a crimp aperture about which the movable wedges are disposed. A control unit is electronically programmed to control the mechanical components. A method of calibrating the control unit includes inserting a quill of known diameter into the iris and reducing the diameter of the iris onto the quill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for safely and efficiently heating a hose for insertion therein of an attachment. The apparatus includes a heating assembly having at least one hose heater including an electric heating element. The hose heater is adapted to be collapsed, inserted, and expanded into an end of the hose to increase the temperature of the end of the hose.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a vehicle and a method of supporting the panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly includes a first wall and a bracket adjacent to the first wall. The bracket has a first platform facing the first wall. The panel assembly further includes a first support member attached to the first platform and defining an initial state and a final state. The first support member and the first wall define a first gap therebetween when in the initial state. The first support member is expandable to contact the first wall to remove the first gap when in the final state for supporting the first wall to prevent deformation of the first wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: Various methods for installing an article of fabric to a frame to provide an improved seating product, which can be integrated in essentially any type of seating unit, are provided. These methods include a pre-forming operation that deforms the frame prior to securing the fabric article thereto, and a securing operation that leverages post-mold shrinkage properties of the frame to secure the fabric article thereto. The pre-forming operation generates tension in the fabric article, which spans the frame, by initially deforming the frame utilizing compression mechanisms of an assembly fixture and subsequently loading the fabric article to the frame in a loose condition. Upon releasing the compression mechanisms, the fabric article assumes a taut condition that expresses the tension. The securing operation involves inserting a segment of the fabric article into a groove in the frame and allowing the groove to naturally clamp the segment during post-mold shrinkage.

Abstract: A chromatography column design and a packing device, as well as a method for obtaining a column with a very compact and uniform bed are provided. The bed remains compact and uniform during operation of the column and during sanitization, storage and transportation of the column. The amount of hardware, particularly the hardware parts in contact with product, is minimized, especially with the implementation of an internal liner. With this internal liner, the packed bed can be separated from the column in intact form, or even prepared separately from, and outside of, the column.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of producing it are proposed, in which a film covers a chamber in a carrier. The film is locally re-tightened in the region of the chamber after the film has been secured to the carrier. In this way it is possible to prevent undesirable bulging of the film into the chamber.

Abstract: An annular combustor includes an annular outer shell that includes a first flange that defines an inner diameter IDOS and an annular inner shell that includes a second flange that defines an outer diameter ODIS. An annular hood includes a radially outer hood flange and a radially inner hood flange. A bulkhead includes a radially outer bulkhead flange that defines an outer diameter ODB and a radially inner bulkhead flange that defines an inner diameter IDB. The first flange is secured at a radially outer joint between the radially outer hood flange and the radially outer bulkhead flange. The second flange is secured at a radially inner joint between the radially inner hood flange and the radially inner bulkhead flange. The IDOS and the ODB define a ratio R1 of IDOS/ODB that is 0.998622-1.001129, and the IDB and the ODIS define a ratio R2 of IDB/ODIS that is 0.998812-1.001388.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a connecting rod assembly including the steps of defining a small end of a connecting rod assembly having a terminal end and then defining a pin bore extending through the small end of the connecting rod assembly. A pair of channels is formed on opposite sides of the small end of the connecting rod assembly wherein the axis of each of the channels is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pin bore. A bushing having a contact surface including at least partially annular grooves disposed thereon is installed into the pin bore of the small end. The connecting rod is then machined to reduce the width of the small end between each channel and the terminal end wherein at least a portion of the grooves are disposed along the distal ends to reduce the need to deburr the area adjacent to the pin bore.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structure, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: A work setting apparatus includes a lower table 15 on which a first work W1 is set, an upper table 17, and a work holding unit 19 having a plurality of work holders 25 each having an adhesive to hold a second work W2. The work setting apparatus lowers the work holders until a predetermined short distance is established between the first and second works and drops the second work from the work holders onto the first work, thereby setting the second work onto the first work.

Abstract: A method of removing stators from tubular stator housings involving subjecting a tubular stator housing having an interior surface to which a worn stator is adhered by adhesive to cryogenic refrigeration until the stator shrinks and pulls away from the interior surface of the tubular stator housing.