Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus of reducing stress during stent manufacture. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for expanding a stent using primarily radial loads thereby reducing the stresses that are generated due to the axial loads applied during loading of the stent onto a mandrel or other expansion device. The method of the invention provides for the stepwise expansion of shape memory stents, while reducing the overall stresses that the stent encounters, and thereby improving manufacturing yields due to fractured struts during expansion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rotor shaft is provided. A rod is formed from a metal matrix composite material, the rod having an outer diameter. The rod is heated to attain a stiffness thereof that is greater than about 300 GPa. A machinable sleeve is formed from material having a stiffness that is less than the stiffness of the rod and that is different than the material of the rod, the sleeve having an inner diameter that is equal to or less than the rod outer diameter. The rod is inserted into the sleeve, after the rod is heated.

Abstract: The method according to the present invention and the device (1) used to implement the method for wrapping or enveloping a galosh which is also named as an overshoe, around a footwear, have been developed in order to avoid the bacteria, microbes, dust, mud and other dirt particles that may be found on the soles of the footwear, from being carried into and the areas with hygienic requirements. With the device (1), the sole and the side walls (side vamps) of the footwear are wrapped with a film (21) by a method, wherein warm air is blown at a suitable flow rate towards the sole and side vamps of the footwear, which causes the film (21) to shrink and cover the solve and side vamps of the footwear by wrapping them up when it comes into contact with the film.

Abstract: A method for positioning a tool (24) on a tool chuck (20) employs a tool holding device (22, 50, 58), which includes a tool-accommodating area (32, 52, 66) for at least partly receiving the tool (24), a connecting area (26, 54 62) to be arranged on the tool chuck (20), and a positioning opening (48) through which a positioner (18) can be placed against the tool (24), which is located at least in part in the tool-accommodating area (32, 52, 66). The tool (24) is optically scanned to obtain a measurement. Subsequently, the tool holding device (22, 50, 58) is removed from the chuck (20), and the chuck is heated. Then, the tool (24), which is separated from the tool holding device (22, 50, 58), is shrink fitted in the chuck (20) at a position that is based on the measurement.

Abstract: A method of swaging a spherical bearing comprising a ball and a bearing housing, the method comprising: providing a ball and a bearing housing to be swaged around the ball; creating a temperature differential between the temperature of the housing and the temperature of the ball, the ball being at a lower temperature than the housing such that the relative size of the ball with respect to the housing decreases; inserting the ball in the housing; swaging the housing around the ball, the ball being cooler than the housing during the swaging process; allowing the ball and housing to return to ambient temperature such that the relative size of the ball with respect to the housing increases.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a turbomachine that includes a first module and a second module with a second shaft assembled by a bearing, the bearing including an outer ring shrink-fitted inside a journal integral with the first module and an inner ring integral with the second shaft. The second module is assembled on the first module by engagement of the second shaft, with the inner ring, inside the journal. The method includes a step of inserting the second module in the first module up to a determined distance such that the first and second modules are only partially assembled. The second shaft is centered with respect to the journal, the centering being controlled on the basis of measuring distance deviations with respect to a reference on the journal. The journal is expanded by heating its outer surface. After the step of expanding, the second module is displaced inside the first module so as to complete the assembly. This displacement step is started based on a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method for locally reinforcing or baffling a structure having a hollow cavity is disclosed. The present invention provides an insert that includes a carrier, a thermally expandable material located on at least a portion of the carrier, and at least one integrally formed attachment that projects outwardly from the carrier. The inserts of the present invention are preferably placed within a hollow cavity in a transverse direction so that once the insert is sealed into place via the thermally expandable material, the hollow cavity is separated into two separate chambers.

Abstract: A method includes shrink fitting a ring member about a railroad wheel body and metallurically bonding the ring member to the railroad wheel body. A wheel assembly includes an inner portion obtained from a worn railroad wheel, a ring member disposed about the inner portion, and suitable electroplating material disposed on at least one of the faying surfaces. The wheel assembly may be heated under suitable conditions to provide diffusion bonding across interfacing faying surfaces to produce an integral wheel structure. Appropriate quenching, tempering, and finishing processes may be utilized to obtain desired properties. An article formed thereby includes an inner body portion obtained from a worn railroad wheel and a metallurically bonded outer circumferential portion. The outer portion may comprise a composition selected for desired wear characteristics.

Abstract: A method includes heating a housing of an electric machine to thermally expand the housing, positioning a mount having power and control electronics assembled thereon and in contact therewith in the housing and against an internal stop defined within the housing, and allowing the housing to cool and thermally contract against the mount thereby forming an interference fit between the housing and the mount. The interference fit secures the mount within the housing. The mount and the housing have coefficients of thermal expansion such that the interference fit is maintained across an operating temperature range of the machine. The electric machine may also include a segmented or non-segmented stator within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting rod assembly and method of manufacturing same. The method includes defining a small end of a connecting rod having a terminal end and defining a pin bore extending through the small end. A pair of channels is forged on opposite sides of the small end, such that each of the channels is substantially perpendicular to the pin bore. A bushing having a contact surface including at least partially annular grooves and opposed distal ends is subsequently formed and installed into the pin bore of the small end. Following installation of the bushing, the connecting rod is machined to reduce the width of the small end between each channel and the terminal end to where at least a portion of the grooves are disposed along the distal ends to reduce the need to deburr the area adjacent the pin bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fixing a tool (10, 22, 64), especially a shaft tool, in a clamping chuck (8, 18, 60), whereby the tool (10, 22, 64) is introduced into the clamping chuck (8, 18, 60) and fixed therein (8, 18, 60) upon reaching an axial nominal position. According to the invention, the tool (10, 22, 64) is brought against an abutment (42, 70) and the position of a characteristic element of the tool (10, 22, 64) is measured. The tool (10, 22, 64) is positioned in the axial nominal position by moving the abutment (42, 70) along a positioning section (Z1) calculated from the measurement.

Abstract: A method for making-up a wedge thread connection comprising a pin member and a box member includes applying a pipe dope to at least one of the pin member and the box member, wherein the pin member and the box member comprise corresponding wedge threads, reducing the viscosity of the pipe dope at least temporarily, and rotating the pin member relative to the box member to make-up the wedge thread connection, wherein the rotation occurs while the viscosity of the pipe dope is at least temporarily reduced. A collar to be used with a tong assembly in making-up a threaded connection between a pin member and a box member includes at least one power unit configured to temporarily reduce the viscosity of pipe dope applied to at least one of the pin member and the box member, and an inner surface having a selected diameter to correspond to an outer diameter of at least one of the pin member and the box member.

Abstract: A method of creating a complex three-dimensional object by assembling a plurality of prefabricated elements in a predetermined arrangement and coupling the elements together into an integral three-dimensional object is disclosed.

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 thermal expansion knife adapter has a body, a conical shaft connecting sleeve and a conical knife connecting sleeve. The body has a first side and a second side. The conical shaft connecting sleeve is formed on and extends from the first side of the body and has a shaft holding hole defined in the shaft connecting sleeve at an end opposite to the body. The conical knife connecting sleeve is formed on and extends from the second side of the body and has a knife holding hole defined in the knife connecting sleeve at an end opposite to the body and communicating with the shaft holding hole in the shaft connecting sleeve. The knife connecting sleeve is a separate element securely and integrally combined with the body. The material for forming the body and the shaft connecting sleeve is different from that for forming the knife connecting sleeve.

Abstract: A guidewire having an embedded matrix polymer construction and methods of making and using the same. The guidewire may include a core wire or member having a proximal region and distal region, a jacket disposed over the distal region, and a coil disposed over the jacket. The coil may include a coating and may be embedded within the jacket.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a cutting tool, a drive, and a chuck rotatable by the drive. The chuck includes a body having a core disposed in a shell, wherein the shell is made of a metal and the core is made of a composite material. The chuck also includes a set of jaws coupled to the body, wherein the jaws are configured to hold a work piece adjacent the cutting tool.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly is disclosed for use in a limited rotation motor system. The mirror mounting assembly includes a collar formed of a shape memory material and a mounting unit including a tapered base that couples with a tapered output shaft of a limited rotation motor under a radial force applied by the collar.

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing having a distal end and an end piece having a proximal end. The proximal end of the end piece is engaged with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing and a length of polymeric tubing is utilized to initially retain the end piece and the length of corrugated tubing in engagement with one another. A length of mesh tubing may be extended along the length of corrugated tubing and around the exterior of the length of polymeric tubing. A sleeve is positioned in alignment with the length of polymeric tubing, with the proximal end of the end piece, and with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing. The sleeve is crimped to permanently retain the proximal end of the end piece in engagement with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing.

Abstract: A process for making plastic-lined metallic pipes for conveying liquid or gas includes the steps of heating a metallic pipe evenly to a first temperature; cooling a plastic pipe evenly to a second temperature; inserting the plastic pipe into the metallic pipe to constitute an inner sleeve; drawing the metallic pipe from its two ends; and cooling the sleeved pipe to a storage temperature. The pipe includes a continuous inner plastic sleeve and an outer seamless metallic pipe. The outer diameter of the plastic sleeve is circumferentially melt-bonded to the inner diameter of the outer pipe. The plastic sleeve constitutes an uninterrupted lining for the metallic pipe.

Abstract: Methods for making refractory crucibles capable of managing thermal stresses and suitable for melting highly reactive alloys, the method involving providing a crucible having at least a facecoat and a backing, heating at least one retaining ring, applying the at least one retaining ring about at least a portion of the backing of the crucible; and allowing the at least one retaining ring to cool and shrink-fit about the crucible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a connecting rod assembly having a stepped small end. The method includes defining a small end of a connecting rod assembly having a terminal end and defining a pin bore extending therethrough. A pair of channels are formed on opposite sides of the small end, perpendicular to the pin bore and a bushing is subsequently installed into the pin bore. Where a connecting rod assembly does not include a bushing the method includes defining a small end having a pin bore and forming pair of channels on opposite sides of the small end. A contact surface is then defined within the pin bore to engage a piston pin and the small end is machined to provide a stepped configuration. The connecting rod assembly is then machined to reduce the width of the small end to provide a stepped configuration.

Abstract: A tool retraction receiving element includes a receiving section (3) for receiving a tool (15) and a clamping section (9) for clamping the tool retraction receiving element (1) in a tool receiving carrier. The receiving section (3) for the tool (15) and the clamping section (9) of the tool retraction receiving element (1) overlap in the longitudinal direction. An adapter positions one such tool retraction receiving element.

Abstract: A cushion subassembly includes a support, a cushion of non-woven polymeric (PET) or PETE fibers with a formed edge that wraps over an edge of the support, and an upholstery sock pulled onto and covering the support and the cushion. The formed edge has sufficient structure to retain the cushion in place on the support as the upholstery sock is pulled onto the support. A back support shell supports the cushion assembly, and has first fasteners that engage in a first direction and second fasteners that prevent disengagement. The cushion assembly is stressed during assembly, especially at corners, but is thermally stress-relieved after assembly to relax the polymeric fibers and the upholstery sock to a state of minimized balanced tension. The back support shell includes a shallow depression on its face. The cushion fills the depression sufficient to eliminate loose fabric but provides a same force deflection curve across its shape.

Abstract: A fixture device generally includes a base member, a reconfigurable pad comprising a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece, and a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with the shape memory material of the reconfigurable pad. A process for operating a fixture device includes passing a current in a first direction through a thermoelectric unit in operative communication with a reconfigurable pad in an amount effective to heat a shape memory material therein to or above a shape setting temperature, contacting a surface of a workpiece with the reconfigurable pad, cooling the shape memory material below the shape setting temperature, and fixturing the workpiece with the fixture device.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the vibration sensitivity of laser-stabilizing optical reference cavities is based upon an improved design and mounting method for the cavity, wherein the cavity is mounted vertically. It is suspended at one plane, around the spacer cylinder, equidistant from the mirror ends of the cavity. The suspension element is a collar of an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient material, which surrounds the spacer cylinder and contacts it uniformly. Once the collar has been properly located, it is cemented in place so that the spacer cylinder is uniformly supported and does not have to be squeezed at all. The collar also includes a number of cavities partially bored into its lower flat surface, around the axial bore. These cavities are support points, into which mounting base pins will be inserted. Hence the collar is supported at a minimum of three points.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for an electric machine includes a rotatable shaft, a rotor core coupled to the shaft for common rotation, and an impeller coupled to the shaft for common rotation. A bearing is coupled to the shaft generally between the rotor core and the impeller. The bearing can include an outer race sized smaller than an opening defined by the machine housing. The bearing can include steel rolling elements such as steel balls or generally cylindrical steel rollers. An adaptor sleeve can be disposed generally around the outer race. The adaptor sleeve can be disposed within the opening defined by the housing for securing the adaptor sleeve and the bearing within the opening defined by the housing.

Abstract: A metal screen material (32) having a flat side, in particular electroformed screen material, preferably seamless cylindrical screen material, comprises a network of dikes (34) which are connected to one another by intersections (36), which dikes (34) delimit openings (30). The height of the crossing points (36) is not equal to the height of the dikes (34). The metal screen material (32) or a combination thereof with a perforating screen (17) can he used as a perforating stencil for the perforation of film material (2), for example made from plastic material.

Abstract: An inner hole 31 to which a driving shaft 2 is inserted is formed in a campiece 3 of a camshaft 1, and a plurality of grooves 34 extending in the insertion direction of the driving shaft 2 are formed in the inner hole 31. The driving shaft 2 is inserted into the inner hole 31 with the cam piece 3 heated to expand the diameter of the inner hole 31. By reducing again the diameter of the inner hole 31 by cooling it in this state, an outer circumferential surface of the driving shaft 2 is pressed and raised by the inner hole 31 and enters the groove 34, by which the cam piece 3 is firmly fixed onto the driving shaft 2.

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.

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: Described is reinforcement of a fan case in a gas turbine jet engine. In one embodiment, a containment ring and a heat resistance ring are shrink interference fit on the inside diameter of the fan case, the containment ring where the large fan blades turn, and the heat resistance ring where heated air from backfiring heats up the fan case. In one example, the containment ring is made of a super alloy to provide added strength to the fan case should a fan blade break, containing the fan blade within the fan case. The heat resistance ring is made of titanium or other suitable material. Additionally, one or more stiffener rings may be shrink interference fit on the outside diameter of the fan case. The containment ring and stiffener rings can reduce the flight weight of the fan case and lower the material costs, while increasing the containment strength of the fan case. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and methods compress, freeze and store forms at sufficiently low temperatures. A system provides a storage tank of liquefied gas, a gas-liquid separation tank, and a compression chamber. The compression chamber provides compression plates chilled by flow of liquefied gas through conduits traversing an interior volume of the plates. The method comprises recirculating liquefied gas to improve cooling efficiency while lowering operation costs. The system and method further provide for integrated measurement and control of the flow of liquefied gas through the primary components of the system. In one embodiment, the forms are rubber cylinders utilized in the production of torsion axels.

Abstract: A jewelry article includes an elongated support and a multiplicity of beads strung along the support. At least one of the beads constitutes a locking bead consisting of a substantially closed hollow shell with a pair of aligned holes sized to slideably receive the support. A heat-shrinkable plastic tube is positioned inside the shell with its opposite ends captured by portions of said shell around the holes. The tube has a heat-deformed inner wall which substantially conforms to the support so as to permanently anchor the bead to the support. A method of stringing the locking bead is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a percussion instrument has the steps of providing a first member into a liquid with the first member having a first diameter. The first member has a first end and a second end. The method also has the step of heating the liquid and stretching the first end of the first member into a second diameter. The method further has the steps of cooling the stretched first end and fitting a skin on the first end.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bearing fixing structure for fixing a bearing in position relative to a resin housing. The bearing is fitted into an inner circumference of the housing. The structure includes an annular holding member and an engaging device. The holding member is press-fitted into the inner circumference of the housing so as to hold the bearing from one side with respect to an axial direction of the housing for preventing the bearing from being removed from the housing. The engaging device engages an outer circumferential face of the holding member with the inner circumference of the housing with respect to the axial direction of the housing.

Abstract: A process for joining components of desired materials for structural purposes in the construction of a vehicle, such as a bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, moped, car, truck, trolley, pushcart, or other such vehicle of motion as powered by an individual, engine, or motor, through the use of an interference fit as a result of utilizing the thermal expansion properties of the materials. This process is an improvement upon conventional practices requiring some manner of melting a material to create a joint.

Abstract: A method of coupling tubular bodies is provided, particularly for use in fluid handling systems requiring a fluid-tight, pressurized joint. One tubular body is made from a polymer. The other tubular body is formed as a bare metallic body (e.g., aluminum tubing). The tubular bodies are positioned relative to one another (e.g., the metallic tubular body may be inserted within the polymeric tubular body). The tubular bodies are then joined together by generating heat (e.g., through induction welding) to cause heat transfer from the metallic tubular body to the polymeric tubular body thereby resulting in deformation of the polymeric tubular body and bonding of the polymeric tubular body to the metallic tubular body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cohesive connection between a tube and a built-in housing, in particular for fixing a measuring tube in the housing of a flowmeter, according to the preamble of patent claims 1 and 4. In order to ensure a reliable connection between the components in this case so that a reliable measurement using the Coriolis mass flowmeter is possible, the invention proposes that ring or tube sections are first of all applied to the measuring tube at least one of said connection locations and are connected to the measuring tube by means of a hard solder connection and, in the region of the ring or tube sections which have been soldered on, the latter are then welded to the housing or housing flanges.

Abstract: Methods for forming a support frame for flexible leaflet heart valves from a starting blank include converting a two-dimensional starting blank into the three-dimensional support frame. The material may be superelastic, such as NITINOL, and the method may include bending the 2-D blank into the 3-D form and shape setting it. A merely elastic material such as ELGILOY may be used and plastically deformed in stages, possibly accompanied by annealing, to obtain the 3-D shape. Alternatively, a tubular blank could be formed to define a non-tubular shape, typically conical. A method for calculating the precise 2-D blank shape is also disclosed. A mandrel assembly includes a mandrel and ring elements for pressing the blank against the external surface of the mandrel prior to shape setting.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a percussion instrument has the steps of providing a first member into a liquid with the first member having a first diameter. The first member has a first end and a second end. The method also has the step of heating the liquid and stretching the first end of the first member into a second diameter. The method further has the steps of cooling the stretched first end and fitting a skin on the first end.

Abstract: A method of hot riveting is described. A first step involves using a clamp to exert a clamping force upon a head of a rivet to maintain the rivet in a selected opening of a workpiece. A second step involves heating an opposed end of the rivet in preparation for shaping. A third step involves deforming the opposed end of the rivet to a desired shape with a hammer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining pipe against both internal and external forces at a pipe or fitting connection and to join and seal at least two pipes to form a pipeline is shown featuring an improved restraining and sealing mechanism. The restraining and sealing mechanism includes a circumferential housing and a companion sealing ring which are received within a mating groove provided in the belled end of a female pipe. The circumferential housing has an interior region which contains a gripping ring insert. The sealing ring and housing are integrally located within a belled pipe end during belling operations.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electric machine generally includes heating a housing to thermally expand the housing. The housing is allowed to cool and thermally contract against an end shield and a rotor assembly such that interference fits are formed between the housing and the end shield and between the housing and the rotor assembly.

Abstract: An end mill chucking structure for chucking an end mill. The chucking structure includes an end mill holder; a shank receivable in an axial opening in the holder; a cone having an exterior cone shape adapted to be received in a drive spindle and an axial opening that is telescopically received on the shank; and a retention knob mounted on the cone and connected to the shank for axially pulling the shank toward a position in which an integral neck on the cone is received in an opening in the tool holder. The retention knob is rotated to pull the neck into a tapered structure on the shank to wedge the neck in the tool holder.

Abstract: A tool, in particular a shaft tool, is inserted into and fixed in a clamping chuck. The actual position of the tool, particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tool or in the direction of insertion, is determined before and/or during the insertion of the tool into the clamping chuck. Based on the determined actual position, the tool is inserted into the clamping chuck until a setpoint position has been reached.

Abstract: A ball joint includes: a ball stud having a spherical ball part and a shank part extending from the spherical ball part; a bearing cupping the spherical ball part of the ball stud; and a housing holding the bearing therein. The housing is provided with a recess in an inner surface thereof. The bearing deforms to enter into the recess of the housing in such a manner that a space is formed between the bearing and the spherical ball part.

Abstract: A process comprising the steps of providing a precursor for an implantable medical device, at least a portion of the precursor made of a shape memory material, the shape memory material having a receptacle for receiving a marker therein, the shape memory material having an austenitic and a martensitic phase; enlarging the receptacle while the shape memory material is in the martensitic phase; inserting a marker in the receptacle while the shape memory material is in the martensitic phase; and thereafter transforming the precursor to the austenitic phase.

Abstract: In making a component part of a reclining device that is used to adjust an inclination of a seat back with respect to a seat cushion, after the component part has been prepared, a predetermined portion of the component part is selectively heated up to a temperature greater than a transformation point of a material of the component part, and the component part is then cooled. During this heat treatment, portions of the component part other than the predetermined portion are left as a base material to thereby selectively increase the strength or the wear and abrasion resistance of the component part.

Abstract: The screen cylinder includes a screening plate having contoured grooves along an inflow side and a backing cylinder having a plurality of openings therethrough and disposed on the outflow side of the screening cylinder. The contoured grooves are elongated in the axial direction and are closely circumferentially spaced one from the other about the screen cylinder. In one embodiment, circumferentially extending grooves are formed along the outflow side of the screening cylinder whereby pulp flows through the contoured grooves into the recesses and then through the openings of the backing cylinder. In another embodiment, the recesses are formed on the inflow side of the backing cylinder, the screening cylinder being provided with elongated slots along its outflow side in registry with the contoured slots. In this manner, increased flow capacity is provided. Additionally, the screening cylinder is removable when worn for replacement by a fresh screening cylinder which may then be secured to the backing cylinder.