Abstract: Profiled hollow cylinders attached to a cylinder-shaped body as modules for radiating fluid media with electromagnetic radiation.

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: An electronic device includes, a circuit board including a through hole, a member including a screw hole, a screw including a screw body having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the through hole and a screw head having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through hole, wherein the screw body penetrates through the through hole to engage with the screw hole and the screw head is disposed on an opposite side of the circuit board to the member, and a first washer provided between the screw head and the circuit board, the first washer including a first washer body and a plurality of first washer legs extending from the first washer body toward the circuit board, the first washer legs being in contact with the circuit board and having a characteristic of reducing stress on the circuit board upon being heated.

Abstract: An inventive process is provided for creating residual compressive stress at a surface of a structure without resort to custom mandrels and dangerous high-pressure fluids. The inventive process yields autofrettage of a structure such as a tube, gun barrel and the like, the structure having an outer surface and an inner surface.

Abstract: A process for deposition of a coating whose purpose is to improve the laminar flows at a junction between a first panel (36) of a leading edge and a second panel (34) of an adjacent surface according to the direction of the flows, characterized in that it includes the following stages: determining the theoretical continuous surface (46) at the junction, producing a shallow groove (48) relative to the theoretical continuous surface (46), which extends over a width such that the outside surfaces of the panels (34, 36) do not project further relative to the theoretical surface (46), and depositing a coating (50) in the groove (48) in such a way as to fill it in.

Abstract: An inventive process is provided for creating residual compressive stress at a surface of a structure without resort to custom mandrels and dangerous high-pressure fluids. The inventive process yields autofrettage of a structure such as a tube, gun barrel and the like, the structure having an outer surface and an inner surface.

Abstract: A method of fixing a first component to a second component. The method includes the step of arranging the first component adjacent the second component. Aligning a tab of the first component for selective engagement with a tongue of the second component. Sliding the first component longitudinally against the second component. Flexing the tongue of the second component by sliding the tab of the first component longitudinally along a conical projection of the second component. Overlapping the tongue and the tab until the conical projection is axially aligned with and matingly received and retained in a conical hole in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal sliding movement thereby selectively fixing the first component to the second component.

Abstract: A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion, a back portion, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion upon a reclining action of the back portion. The mechanism has a rear deformable member and a front deformable member operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. The recline mechanism also has a lower deformable member operatively connecting a lower part of the back portion and the supporting frame, and a puller member above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform.

Abstract: A method for making a protective device for guardrails comprises the steps of preparing a sheet (2) of flexible material; wrapping the sheet (2) of flexible material between at least one portion (3) of a longitudinal rail (6) of a guardrail (5) and at least one portion (4) of a lower longitudinal element (7), positioned between at least two guardrail (5) uprights (8) at a predetermined height, other than zero, from the ground, to form a smooth and continuous surface (11) which at least partly covers the guardrail (5). A protective device for guardrails comprises at least one flexible sheet (2) which can be wrapped between at least one portion (3) of a rail (6) of a guardrail (5) and at least one portion (4) of a lower longitudinal element (7), positioned between at least two guardrail (5) uprights (8), to form a smooth and continuous surface (11) covering the guardrail (5).

Abstract: An attachment structure for a load bearing fabric. The attachment structure includes interfitted inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes a fabric leg 74 carrying a load bearing fabric. The inner ring defines a channel receiving the fabric leg 74. The inner ring and outer ring are configured to stretch the fabric upon insertion of the fabric leg 74 into the channel. The present invention also provides a method for securing a load bearing fabric to a support structure, generally including the steps of (a) providing an outer ring having fabric leg 74, (b) attaching a section of load bearing fabric to the fabric leg 74, (c) providing an inner ring having a channel adapted to receive the leg of the outer ring and (d) installing the outer ring to the inner ring by inserting the leg into the channel, the insertion forcing the fabric down into the channel and stretching the fabric to the desired tension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for forming a planiform piece intended, in particular, for the interior fittings of motor vehicles, in which a layer of support material (1) is covered, at least on one of its faces (2) and in the area of a portion (3), at least, of its contour, or so-called portion to be bordered, with a cladding sheet (4) and said support (1) is cut along said portion to be bordered (3) in such a way that said cladding (4) projects from said support (1) in the area of said portion. According to the invention, a cutting tool (5) is pre-positioned between said cladding (4) and said support (1) along said portion to bordered (3) said cutting is effected with said cutting tool (5), when the support (1) is covered by the cladding (4).

Abstract: A rotor cover attach and release apparatus for a centrifuge includes a knob and a cover and housing affixed to the knob. The apparatus also includes an adapter connected to the housing and a plunger including an annular groove disposed within the knob and housing. The apparatus further includes a moveable element retained within a passage located on the housing and a biasing element located within the housing. The plunger is biased in one direction. By actuating the plunger in the opposite direction, the movable element may enter the annular groove, thereby releasing the cover from the rotor. When the plunger is not actuated, the movable element may contact the plunger and enter the passage, thereby attaching the cover to the rotor.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing engagement between fastening components of a pre-fastened garment the fastening components are aligned in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other and engaged with each other to define an engagement seam. The fastening components are then flexed at the engagement seam to generate a shear stress at the seam to thereby promote increased engagement between the fastening components. In another embodiment, the fastening components are delivered in a predetermined direction to a nip and then drawn into the nip at a speed greater than the speed at which the fastening components are delivered to the nip. The fastening components are passed through the nip generally to squeeze the fastening components together at the engagement seam for promoting enhanced engagement between the fastening components.

Abstract: An attachment structure for a load bearing fabric. The attachment structure includes interfitted inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes a fabric leg 74 carrying a load bearing fabric. The inner ring defines a channel receiving the fabric leg 74. The inner ring and outer ring are configured to stretch the fabric upon insertion of the fabric leg 74 into the channel. The present invention also provides a method for securing a load bearing fabric to a support structure, generally including the steps of (a) providing an outer ring having fabric leg 74, (b) attaching a section of load bearing fabric to the fabric leg 74, (c) providing an inner ring having a channel adapted to receive the leg of the outer ring and (d) installing the outer ring to the inner ring by inserting the leg into the channel, the insertion forcing the fabric down into the channel and stretching the fabric to the desired tension.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an aircraft leading edge nose structure includes the following steps. Parallel strengthening members are welded onto a flat planar outer skin sheet. Two forming tool members having appropriately shaped outer contours contact the inner surfaces of the strengthening members, and are then pivoted and shifted toward each other so as to bend the outer skin sheet into a parabolic shape along the curved contour defined by the forming tool members. The resulting bent outer skin sheet with the strengthening members welded thereon is secured into a negative mold. To provide boundary layer suction, a perforated throttling sheet, inner ribs, and a non-perforated inner skin sheet may be successively secured by sealant and blind rivets onto the pre-bent structure of the outer skin sheet and the strengthening members. The finished structure is then removed from the mold.

Abstract: A self-supporting, solid surface (SS) work surface adapted to be installed atop a support structure is manufactured from one or multiple modules that are joined together to form a visually single SS work surface. Each module includes a centrally-disposed molded work surface have a bottom face and a top face, has a given thickness, and has at least a first edge and a second edge. A first molded edge portion is joined to the first edge and extends downwardly from the centrally-disposed molded work surface. A molded second edge portion is joined to the second edge and extends upwardly from the centrally-disposed molded work surface. At least one molded brace portion is joined to the bottom brace of the centrally-disposed molded work surface to make the module self-supporting at the centrally-disposed molded work surface. The centrally-disposed molded work surface, the molded first edge portion, and the second molded edge portion all are integrally molded together.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy pipe coupling in the present invention for joining two pipes, the pipe coupling comprising a tube of a shape memory alloy, and a cover of stainless steel having a sufficient thickness and having high corrosion resistance for covering the tube. The shape memory alloy is enclosed by the cover of high corrosion-resistant stainless steel, by which high-temperature water can be prevented from making the shape memory alloy brittle and from corroding and damaging the shape memory alloy particularly through galvanic corrosion even in the case where such high-temperature water exists in the inside or outside of the pipes.

Abstract: An electronic module assembly (10) is constructed by attaching semiconductor die (20, 22) to corresponding ceramic substrates (16, 18). A solder preform (14) is placed between the ceramic substrates and a base plate (12) which in turn is placed on a mounting fixture (26). Steel shims (28-42) are placed around the perimeter between the base plate and the mounting fixture surface. A restraining mechanism (24) passes through the center of the base plate and fastens to the mounting fixture to create a force on the base plate causing it to bow in an elastic manner. The assembly is reflow soldered and cooled with the module assembly restrained in the pre-bow apparatus. The elastic bow compensates for differences in thermal expansion and contraction characteristics between the ceramic substrates and base plate encountered during the reflow and later processes to prevent stresses from developing on the solder bond between materials.

Abstract: A variable orifice device for passing fluent material under pressure includes a piece of resilient material bent out of its normal shape so that one surface is in tensile stressed condition and the other surface is in compressive stressed condition. A slit extends between the two surfaces. Because of the difference in the stressed conditions of the two surfaces, one end of the slit is open and the other end, at the compressively stressed surface, is in forced closed condition. The piece of resilient material is mounted in its bent, stressed condition in a frame which holds the material in the bent condition. The piece of resilient material may be cut from silicone rubber tubing such as is used for peristaltic pumps. The frame may be two annular members, one of which is a push fit in the other, with the other having an annular shoulder against which a disc of the resilient material is trapped and sealed by the one annular member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for fixing holding clips (1) to a band (2) which is movable in its longitudinal direction, wherein the band (2) is deformed transversely relative to the longitudinal direction in such a way that the spacing of the band edges (3, 4) becomes less than the band width and the internal spacing of the holding elements (5, 6) provided on the holding clip (1) and the part of the band (2) which is between the band edges (3, 4) is curved forwardly out of the plane of the band defined by the band edges (3, 4), the band edges (3, 4) are brought into position between the holding elements (5, 6) and the deformation is substantially removed again so that the band edges (3, 4) substantially resume their original spacing and the holding clip (1) comes into frictional engagement with the band (2), and a corresponding apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for attaching and bi-directionally tensioning a porous fabric over a flexible, rectangular form support. The frame comprises a pair of rigid, parallel frame members connected by a pair of parallel cross members. The ends of the frame members contain legs that contact the form support in each corner thereof. Suction cups located on the cross members allow the form support to be attached to the frame and pulled towards the frame such that the edges of the form support flex between adjacent legs. Once the form support has been flexed, the porous fabric is wrapped over and attached to the form support at the corners and along all sides. After the porous fabric is completely attached to the form support, the frame is removed so the form support can return to its flat unflexed, rectangular dimensions. The result is that the porous fabric is bi-directionally stretched over the form support such that a uniform tension of 50 to 300 kg/lineal meter is created.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming curved vehicle door panels is disclosed. A jig is provided having a curved surface. A place of sheet metal is placed face down on the curved surface of the jig. The sheet metal is then compressed edgewise to cause it to bow in conformity with the curved surface. Then, a curved frame member is placed on the concave side of the bowed sheet metal. The frame is then fastened to the bowed sheets such that the frame holds the sheet in its bowed condition to form a curved vehicle door panel. Finally, the finished panel is removed from the jig.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a door having an aperture therein and a window frame mounted in the aperture. A glazing member is mounted in the frame which has recesses formed about the glazing member. A trim panel dimensioned to overlie the glazing member has opposed ends seated in opposed recesses of the frame, and a filler strip has an engagement portion seated in another one of the recesses and a retainer portion extending outwardly of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of assemblying a rectangular tensioned shadow mask wherein the two long sides are welded to two curved frame members paralleling the major axis. The improvement comprises forming two subassemblies of said frame, each subassembly including one of the curved members and two partial straight members, each partial straight member being attached at 90 degrees to an end of the curved member. Next, the two subassemblies are positioned in approximately their final positions with the partial straight members on each side of the frame overlapping each other but forming an angle less than 180 degrees on the side of the frame of the intended mask attachment. The long sides of the mask are next welded to the curved members. Now, the subassemblies are rotated until the partial straight members are aligned, to apply tension to the two curved members to place at least a central portion of the shadow mask under a predetermined tension.

Abstract: An upholstery wrapping apparatus and method using a mold having a flexible lip around the open top of the mold cavity so that as a substrate and covering therefore are pushed down into the cavity, the lip deflects and then snaps back to force the flexible margin of the upholstery to wrap around to the back side of the substrate.

Abstract: A curved glazed roof for use particularly as a greenhouse, and a method for the production thereof. This roof has at least one continuous vault including at least two successive glazed spans, each span having at least two juxtaposed curved glazed panels. The panels include a sheet of thermally-tempered, cold-curved glass having a resiliently-flexed curvature formed therein. This resiliently-flexed curvature is maintained under constraint by a frame which is secured to the sheet of glass. Each of the frames in each span are secured to the frame of another panel, positioned juxtaposed thereto, forming a span. At least one of the frames of one of the panels in one of the spans is secured to at least one of the frames of one of the panels in another, adjacent span, forming successive spans which make up the vault. A framework of trusses, longitudinal beams, struts and peak beams is disclosed for the various roofs.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a mount for an electric motor, and comprises a sheet metal annular member adapted to support electric motor parts within it, a plurality of flexible sheet metal mounting lug members extending generally radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the annular member, each of said lug members including a flexible part and a mounting part that extends generally parallel to the adjacent part of said annular member, and a mechanical connection between each of the mounting parts and the annular member. Each mounting part and the adjacent part of the annular member form overlying sheets, and each mechanical connection is formed by portions of the sheets which are pierced and offset radially outwardly and form radially inner and outer bridges, the inner bridge being spread over the surface of the mounting part to interlock the parts together.Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method of fastening flexible mounting lugs to a motor utilizing mechanical connections.

Abstract: A grid structure for a color cathode ray tube comprises a substantially rectangular, one-piece frame consisting of a pair of first opposed frame portions and a pair of second opposed frame portions orthogonally related to the first frame portions and being integral with the latter at ends thereof, and grid elements secured to the first frame portions and extending therebetween generally parallel to the second frame portions in a longitudinally stressed condition, the second frame portions having at least recesses therein for enhancing the resilient bending thereof under loads applied to the first frame portions in directions urging the latter toward each other.

Abstract: A bearer, especially a longitudinal bearer of a motor vehicle frame, which is constructed as hollow profile and includes a deformable section dissipating impact energy; the walls of the longitudinal bearer have different strength characteristics as a result of a treatment of these areas changing the strength of the wall material compared to non-treated areas; a greater strength thereby exists in the treated wall areas than in the untreated areas.

Abstract: A mirror mounting is described in which a plane rectangular reflecting strip is deformed along the two longer edges thereof so that it is approximately tangent to the ideal mirror while the strip remains substantially flat in the direction of its shorter edges. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of such reflecting strips are so formed by attachment to a supporting frame using a pair of elastomeric cushion frames to embrace the longer sides of each strip while leaving the shorter sides free. Advantageously, each reflecting strip on the frame is bent in a continuous manner the full distance of its longer side. The frame is preferably a rigid array of parallel channel members each of which is adapted to receive a curved T-section angle bar having the desired curvature of the reflecting strip. The angle bars are deformed into this curvature in a separate operation while they are being attached to the channel members.

Abstract: Spherically-shaped dish and cylindrically-shaped trough reflectors are produced by the deflection of a thin reflective element within its elastic range of stress. A spherical or cylindrical shape is produced by including a pure bending moment stress pattern in the reflective element. This is accomplished by clamping the edges of the reflective element to a rigid frame which is precisely dimensioned relative to the dimensions of the reflective element. Preferably, the surface of the frame which engages and supports the reflective element is tangent to the desired radius of curvature of the reflector. Close control of the dimensions insures that no compressive or tensile stresses are induced in the element by forces from the support surfaces, such forces tending to push the edges of the reflective element toward or away from each other.

Abstract: Large hollow curved beams and arches are inexpensively produced by curving individual shallow components, such as channels, that are then tiered to form a large laminated member. Smaller beams or arches can be made by tiering the components, curving them all at one time, then fastening them together. Individual layers of curved components are usually fastened together consecutively or in multiple laminations to construct a member with a much higher moment of inertia than the sum of the moments of inertia of the layers in a non-fastened state.