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 method of manufacturing a component (400) having a flow path (402), wherein the method comprises forming a high pressure resistant casing (102) with a cavity (202) therein, inserting a bioinert material (302) into the cavity (202) to thereby form a composite block (300), and further processing the composite block (300) for at least partially forming the flow path (402) defined by the component (400).

Abstract: A composite tube assembly and a method of making the same are provided. The composite tube assembly includes a composite tube and a fitting penetrating the composite tube. The fitting includes a reduced diameter section surrounded by a reduced diameter tube portion of the tube. A bolstering structure surrounds this reduced diameter tube portion. The method includes inserting the fitting into the composite tube, heating the tube portion surrounding the fitting to soften the same, radially compressing the tube portion onto the fitting reduced diameter section, and providing a bolstering structure surrounding the compressed tube portion.

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: 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: A roller bearing assembly includes an annular outer ring with first and second outer ring shoulders that define a first raceway in the outer ring. An annular inner ring may be disposed substantially concentrically within the outer ring, the inner ring including a base portion and first and second inner ring shoulders that extend from and are integral with the base portion to define a second raceway in the inner ring. A plurality of rolling elements may be arranged between the inner ring and outer ring and within the first and second raceways to rotatably couple the outer ring to the inner ring.

Abstract: Balloon catheters and methods for manufacturing catheter shafts are disclosed. In one example, a balloon catheter may include an outer tubular member disposed about an inner tubular member. In some cases, a fluid (e.g. cryogenic fluid) can be provided between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member and may cool the inner tubular member. To help provide a relatively uniform temperature distribution around a circumference of the inner tubular member, two or more spacers, protrusions, or gap-maintaining members can be positioned between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member to maintain a gap therebetween. In some cases, the spacers, protrusions, or gap-maintaining members may be attached to an inner surface of the outer tubular member or, in other cases, to an outer surface of the inner tubular member. In other embodiments, a step-down in an outer diameter of the outer tubular member is disclosed.

Abstract: A process to load a medical device comprising a shape memory material into a delivery system is described herein. According to one aspect, the method includes applying a force to the medical device to obtain a delivery configuration thereof, where the device is at a first temperature within an R-phase temperature range of the shape memory material during application of the force. The medical device is cooled in the delivery configuration to a second temperature at or below a martensite finish temperature of the shape memory material. The force is then removed from the medical device, and the device is loaded into a delivery system. Preferably, the medical device substantially maintains the delivery configuration during the loading process.

Abstract: A shrink-fit tool unit increases the transmission force of rotary power and also improves workability when inserting the rotary tool into the tool holder. A tool holder and a rotary tool to be used for the shrink-fit tool unit are also disclosed. Since a first engaging part and a second engaging part are configured to engage with each other simply by inserting a cylindrical terminal area of a rotary tool, typically, a thread forming tap, into a chuck of the tool holder, even when the machining load receiving from a work piece act both in forward and reverse directions relative to the circumferential direction, it is possible to increase the transmission of rotary power.

Abstract: A method for making by assembling a tool to and in a tool holder, and the tool and tool holder, and the assembled tool and tool holder. The tool is shrink-fitted into a cylindrical bore of the tool holder, and a shoulder of the tool abuts an abutment face of the tool holder. A structure, such as press, a screw, a draw bolt, or a cylinder, for example, is provided to apply an axial force to the cutting tool to force the tool shoulder against the abutment face of the tool holder.

Abstract: Designs and manufacturing methods are provided for lighting components and systems with improved performance in luminous efficacy, total lumen output, product lifetime, and form factor through the use of optical composites with improved thermal management. Some embodiments also provide designs and manufacturing methods to minimize thermal warpage and increase the rigidity of optical films and sheets through improved balance of thermal stresses.

Abstract: A captive panel fastener is manufactured by first overmolding a plastic cap around the head of a screw, the cap having a cylindrical plastic skirt extending downwardly beyond the base of the screw head and formed with a circular opening at the bottom. After a compression spring is placed around the shank of the screw, the screw is pressed against a top surface of a ferrule to a point where the capped-skirt extends downwardly below a ferrule flange. At that point, heat and pressure are applied radially inwardly around the periphery of the plastic skirt along its bottom edge until it is permanently deformed to a point where the bottom of the skirt is smaller in diameter than the ferrule flange. The screw is thereby captivated to the ferrule between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: The joint between the gearbox input shaft and the rotor rotation shaft is made with a banded flange that combines an interference joint between the horizontal surface of the rotor shaft (4) and the internal surface of the flange (5), with a bolted joint between the vertical surface of the flange (5) and the front surface of the body of the gearbox (4) corresponding to the low speed shaft. The interference joint adds a keyway between both surfaces with their corresponding key (9). Likewise included is an assembly method with a surface treatment at temperature T1, flange heating (5) in an oven at a temperature T2, a banding of the flange (5) on the rotor rotation shaft (4) having the keyway line up with the key (9), a subsequent cooling and finally a bolted joint between the flange (5) and the gearbox (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a power unit for an electric steering system and a method for assembling such a power unit. The power unit comprises a motor and a control unit, wherein the control unit is connected to the motor by means of shrink fitting.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite part is provided. The method includes a first and at least one second part, wherein the first part at least in part is made of a first metal and the second part at least in part is made of another metal that has a lower melting temperature than that of the first metal. Composite parts produced by the method are also provided. The method for producing composite parts which have an improved load-bearing capacity and yet low weight, is achieved by the fact that at least one breakthrough encompassing a breakthrough collar is introduced into the first part and the second part is non-positively and/or positively moulded onto the first part at least in the area of the breakthrough and the breakthrough collar by heating the second part and applying pressure to said second part.

Abstract: An assembly facilitation apparatus for assembling and seating bearings on a gearbox pinion. The apparatus includes a bearing cup support for holding a bearing for assembly onto a pinion and an arm operatively connected to the bearing cup support. The arm is configured to engage the pinion and seat a bearing on a first portion of the pinion by moving the pinion axially in a first direction relative to the bearing.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus including a bearing support mechanism configured to hold a bearing for assembly into a housing and a housing register mechanism operatively connected to the bearing support mechanism. The housing register mechanism receives and aligns a housing with a bearing on the bearing support mechanism when the housing is placed over the housing register mechanism.

Abstract: In a cutting tool for a mining machine, in particular shearer, including a tool base body and a cutting insert (1) made of a diamond composite material and fixed in a receiving bore (6) of the tool base body, the diameters of the cutting insert (1) and the receiving bore (6) are dimensioned such that the cutting insert (1) is held in the receiving bore (6) by a shrink-press fit.

Abstract: An optical device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy includes a substrate, and at least one antenna established thereon. The at least one antenna including at least two segments, where each segment is formed of a metal having a predetermined volume and a predetermined contact angle with respect to the substrate. A gap is located between the two segments. The gap has a controllable size such that the at least one antenna resonates at a predetermined frequency that corresponds with the gap.

Abstract: A fastener (2) comprising an elongate core (4) and made of titanium or titanium alloy, and a sleeve (6) made of a different material and having an external thread (26), the core (4) being disposed within the sleeve (6) and fixed with respect to the sleeve (6).

Abstract: A spinal rod includes a metal component and a tube. The core component has a radius. The tube has a first state with a first state tube inner radius and a first state tube outer radius. The first state tube inner radius is greater than the core component radius. The tube has a second state with a second state tube inner radius and a second state tube outer radius. The second state tube inner radius is generally equal to the core component radius. The tube is deformable from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A balloon is inflated from a collapsed configuration, then deflated. A polymeric stem is then disposed over the deflated balloon and the stent crimped to the balloon.

Abstract: The description covers cabin components for aircraft, which can be produced with a sandwich structure and may have the components 1003 for signal and/or power transmission. The cabin components in this case have at least two prepreg layers 1001, 1005 and, for example, a honeycomb layer 1002, which can be connected to one another by pressing and heating. Furthermore, electrical and/or optical signal paths are shown on cabin components, which can be produced by positioning them there or printing. In addition, according to the description, signal and/or power transmission can take place beyond the boundary of cabin components, by means of a transmitter/receiver path.

Abstract: Well screen fabrication. A method of fabricating a well screen includes the steps of: providing a filter portion having an inner dimension, and then increasing the inner dimension, the providing and increasing steps being performed prior to installing the well screen in a wellbore. Another method of fabricating a well screen includes the steps of: providing a base pipe having an outer dimension, providing a filter portion having an inner dimension less than or equal to the outer dimension, then increasing the inner dimension to greater than or equal to the outer dimension, and then decreasing the inner dimension. Another method of fabricating a well screen includes the steps of: providing a base pipe having an outer dimension, providing a filter portion having an inner dimension, and then providing an interference fit between the inner and outer dimensions.

Abstract: Mechanically interlocking releasable fastener systems include a reinforced shape memory polymer for forming one of the interlocking components. The reinforced shape memory polymer includes a filler material in the form of a fiber and/or platelet. The filler can include an electrically conductive filler, a thermally conductive filler, a dielectric fillers, and mixtures thereof. Also disclosed herein are processes for using the releasable fastener systems.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering column assembly having a first jacket and a second jacket with a bushing between the first and second jackets. The method utilizes a manufacturing machine having a loadable member, a fixed member, and a thermal fixture. The method comprises the steps of: assembling the first jacket to the second jacket with the bushing located radially between the first and second jackets to interlock the first and second jackets and prevent axial movement between the first and second jackets; connecting the first jacket to the loadable member of the manufacturing machine; connecting the second jacket to a fixed member of the manufacturing machine; loading the loadable member to apply an axial force to the first jacket; heating the thermal fixture of the manufacturing machine; and melting the bushing until the first jacket moves axially relative to the second jacket.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a high pressure tank and a method thereof includes providing a liner of the high pressure tank. A liner having at least one open end with a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The method also including providing a cap having a second outer diameter which is greater than the first inner diameter. The method further includes providing a collar having a second inner diameter which is less than the first outer diameter. The liner is brought to a first temperature, the cap is brought to a second temperature which is less than the first temperature, and the collar is brought to a third temperature which is greater than the first temperature. At least a portion of the cap is placed inside the open end and at least a portion of the collar is placed over the open end.

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 reinforced plastic foam cup including a body which defines an open top end and a closed bottom end, wherein the top end has a greater diameter than the bottom end. The body includes a reinforced tapered side wall that extends from the bottom end to the top end. A substantial portion of the reinforced tapered side wall includes a plastic foam layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a rigid material layer. Such reinforced plastic foam cup provides an improved tactile feel and enhanced insulation and rigidity properties.

Abstract: A control moment gyroscope assembly including, but not limited to, a rotor that includes a shaft, a primary rim and a web that connects the shaft to the primary rim. The rotor is made from a metal material and is adapted to spin about the shaft. The control moment gyroscope assembly further includes a secondary rim that is made of the metal material and that is disposed around the rotor. The secondary rim is configured to compress the rotor in the direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A cylinder head modification method includes the steps of selecting a cylinder head for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion chambers and the cylinder head having a plurality of combustion chamber faces on the top of each combustion chamber. An elongated cylinder head insert is selected having a generally T-shaped cross-section and then forming an elongated slot in the selected cylinder head between a pair of combustion chamber faces. The elongated slot is shaped to receive the elongated cylinder head insert therein. A method includes press fitting the elongated cylinder head insert into the elongated slot and the cylinder head to thereby reduce localized high temperature deformations in the cylinder head. The method includes the step of heating the cylinder head to expand the slot for pressure fitting the cylinder head insert thereinto.

Abstract: A method of assembling a coupling for distributing fluid to a printhead, the method having, mounting a seal member on a housing, inserting a shaft through a hole in the housing and the seal member, positioning a compression spring on the shaft and mounting a port plate on the shaft using a washer about the shaft so that the spring is compressed between the port plate and the housing and a plurality of ports in the port plate align with respective ones of a plurality of seals of the seal member for receiving respective fluid spouts of the printhead.

Abstract: A tool holder for a cutting and/or milling machine includes a shank portion configured to be attached to a spindle of the cutting and/or milling machine for mounting the tool holder, and a tool mounting portion for mounting a tool to the tool holder. The tool holder includes a cavity through the shank portion and/or the mounting portion, the cavity being aligned to the rotation axis of the tool holder. The tool holder includes a damping material disposed within the cavity for mitigating harmonic resonance during operation of the cutting and/or milling machine. The damping member may be used in all types and configurations of tool holders.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an inner radial surface of a housing of a turbomachine from corrosion. The method includes tapering the inner radial surface of the housing and a corresponding outer radial surface of a corrosion-resistant liner, and heating the housing to increase a diameter of the inner radial surface of the housing. The method also includes inserting the corrosion-resistant liner at least partially into the housing, and attaching the corrosion-resistant liner to the inner radial surface of the housing a solid-state bonding process.

Abstract: The fire extinguisher of the present invention includes a container housing a fire inhibiting material which may automatically discharge its fire inhibiting contents in response to a fire. In one exemplary embodiment, the fire inhibiting material is pressurized within the container and the container is structured and arranged to discharge its fire inhibiting contents in a predetermined direction. Also, a method is provided for constructing a container for holding fire inhibiting contents under pressure and a method and apparatus for effectively and efficiently filling and pressurizing the container with fire inhibiting material, forming a container structured and arranged to expel the fire inhibiting material contained therein in a predefined direction in response to a fire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a crossbeam and the respective crossbeam (1), intended to reinforce the instrument panel of a motor vehicle, guarantee its rigidity and support various devices, the said process being characterised by an alignment between only one main hollow metal body (2) with an elliptical cross-section and one secondary body (3) which is also metal and hollow and has an elliptical or circular cross-section, in that in this alignment the longitudinal axes of the said bodies are coaxial or parallel, in that also in this alignment the contour line of the outer wall of the secondary body is confined by the contour line of the inner wall of the main body, in that prior to this alignment the main body is conformed so as to adapt to the secondary body and in that, in the final phase, the two bodies are connected.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining tubes. An outer tube and an inner tube are provided. An end of the inner tube is inserted into an end of the outer tube to form an overlapped region of tube wall and form a pressure tight joint between the tubes. The overlapped region of the tubes is heated. The tubes are placed in pair of dies having a die cavity adjacent to the outer tube. Pressure is introduced into the tubes to expand the overlapped region of the tubes outwardly into the die cavity and thereby form an interlocking joint between the overlapped region of the outer tube and the inner tube.

Abstract: A method of producing a stent-balloon assembly is disclosed which includes providing a stent having a polymeric component; exposing the stent to a relative humidity of 20% to 100%; and crimping the stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The polymeric component could be at least part of the material from which the stent is made or could be a constituent of a coating for the stent, such as a drug delivery coating. In lieu of or in addition to the application of humidity, a plasticizing agent can be applied to the polymeric component. A crimping device is also disclosed which allows the stent to be exposed to humidity during the crimping process.

Abstract: Plastic cutlery and tableware made in at least two parts joinable to form a unitary utensil, serving piece, beverage container or non-food contacting tableware in which the two parts are made of different materials. The materials of the two parts differ in at least one of the following: color, type of plastic, grade of plastic, source of plastic, and additives such as the presence of an anti-microbial agent, transparency, or reflectivity. Food-grade resins, for example, can be used for the heads of cutlery and recycled resins are used for the handles. Heads can be separately metalized and then joined to non-metalized handles. Handles may be made to fit to different types of heads. The two parts of the cutlery may be joined by inserting a tang extending from one into a cavity formed in the other. The two parts of tableware may be joinable by a snap-fit configuration.

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 method is disclosed comprising providing a self-expandable stent having a polymeric component. The stent is exposed to a relative humidity of 20% to 100% (RH) or a plasticizing agent is applied to the polymeric component. The diameter of the stent is reduced. The stent having a reduced diameter is inserted in a constraining sheath such that the sheath constrains the stent in a reduced diameter, such that removal of the stent from the sheath causes the stent to self-expand to a greater diameter.

Abstract: A method of producing a stent-balloon assembly is disclosed which includes providing a stent having a polymeric component; exposing the stent to a relative humidity of 20% to 100%; and crimping the stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The polymeric component could be at least part of the material from which the stent is made or could be a constituent of a coating for the stent, such as a drug delivery coating. In lieu of or in addition to the application of humidity, a plasticizing agent can be applied to the polymeric component. A crimping device is also disclosed which allows the stent to be exposed to humidity during the crimping process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizer (1, 26) which has at least two stabilizer components which are coupled with one another materially by thermal joining, characterized in that a heat-affected zone (7) produced by the thermal joining is at least partially heat treated after coupling. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a stabilizer (1, 26), wherein at least two stabilizer components are connected with one another by thermal joining, characterized in that the heat-affected zone (7) produced by the thermal joining is heat-treated.

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: A reinforced multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing the same. An assembly for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter includes a proximal catheter body substrate including a septum, a first and second distal catheter body substrate, a first and second mandrel, a reinforcing element and a sleeve. The reinforcing element is positioned over the proximal catheter body substrate and at least a proximal region of the first and second distal catheter body substrates.

Abstract: A method for assembling a down hole drill comprises the steps of providing a cylindrical casing and a fluid distributor cylinder. Prior to assembly, the casing inner diameter is smaller than the fluid distributor cylinder outer diameter. A preassembly thermal treatment step is executed, in which the casing is heated to increase the casing inner diameter, or the distributor cylinder is cooled to decrease the distributor outer diameter, or both the casing is heated and the distributor cylinder is cooled. The distributor cylinder is then inserted into the cylindrical casing, and threaded into threads inside the cylindrical casing. Thermal energy is transferred between the cylindrical casing and the distributor cylinder, causing the casing inner diameter and the fluid distributor cylinder outer diameter to return to their preassembly sizes. This results in an interference fit along the outer surface of the distributor cylinder and the inner surface of the cylindrical casing.

Abstract: A sleeved composite pipe or piling structure formed of an elongated polyethylene pipe or tube of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or another polyethylene material installed over a substantially rigid and incompressible hollow metal pipe or solid wood core having an outer diameter that is the same or slightly larger than a normal inside diameter of the polyethylene pipe or tube when measured in a relaxed state at ambient temperature. The polyethylene pipe or tube is, for example, a HDPE 3408 material formed of virgin PE 3408 resin as specified in ASTM D3350 with UV protection, and the pipe is produced to ASTM A-3408. The metal pipe core can be ferrous or nonferrous pipe.

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: A piston for an internal-combustion engine is made up of a first part and a second part. One of the two parts forms the piston head and the other part forms the piston skirt. A cooling chamber, which is delimited by material of the first part and by material of the second part, is configured in the piston. The two parts are joined together positively and non-positively via a press fit formed by a projection of the second part, with the projection engaging with a recess in the first part.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent to a support element is disclosed, the method comprising: positioning a polymeric stent around a support element; heating the stent, wherein the heated stent is above ambient temperature; and allowing the heated stent to radially contract onto the support element, wherein the heated stent radially contracts at least partially due to heating the stent.