Abstract: A method for producing a single-clad or multiple-clad product includes providing a welded assembly comprising a cladding material disposed on a substrate material. Both the substrate material and the cladding material are individually selected alloys. At least a first edge of the cladding material of the welded assembly does not extend to a first edge of the substrate material and thereby provides a margin between the first edges. A material that is an alloy having hot strength greater than the cladding material is within the margin and adjacent the first edge of the cladding material. The welded assembly is hot rolled to provide a hot rolled band, and the material within the margin inhibits the cladding material from spreading beyond the edge of the substrate material during the hot rolling. In certain embodiments of the methods, the substrate material is stainless steel and the cladding material is nickel or a nickel alloy.

Abstract: A heat pipe mounting method and a heat pipe assembly thereof are disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a heat-transfer block and a plurality of heat pipes. A plurality of heat pipe grooves is formed on the heat-transfer block. The heat pipes are then press-fitted to respective heat pipe grooves. During the press-fitting step, the heat pipes are flattened to force the flattened part of one heat pipe into abutment against the flattened part of another heat pipe in a flushed manner. Thereby, the heat pipes are abutted to each other with no separation therebetween. Hence, the heat transfer performance is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter cartridge for an air filtering device, in particular for a filtering face mask and a method for manufacturing a filter cartridge, comprising a stiff cup-shaped casing having a bottom and a circumferential sidewall extending at least section-wise parallel to one axis, a stiff discoidal lid and a filter bed of loose filter material compressed between the lid and the casing, the lid and the bottom containing each at least one through-hole so that air to be filtered passes through the filter bed, and at least one of the lid and the bottom being curved to at least one direction, whereby the lid is at least essentially arranged within the casing, the outermost contour of the lid close-fitting to the inner contour of the sidewall, and fixed thereto by a direct connection, particularly by a non-detachable connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat seal such as those that are used in motor vehicle construction in particular. Such flat seals can be used for example as seals in the exhaust tract of internal combustion engines, as cylinder head gaskets, or also as hydraulic system control plates. Hydraulic system control plates, such as transmission control plates for example, always have a sealing function in addition to a fluid control function simultaneously.

Abstract: The method according to the invention comprises providing a flexible line (18) and a bend limiter axially immobilized around the flexible line (18) by a releasable immobilizing mechanism (46). It includes partially inserting the flexible line (18) through a hollow rigid member (40), immobilizing the bend limiter on the hollow rigid member (40), and deactivating the releasable immobilizing mechanism (46). The releasable immobilizing mechanism (46) is deactivated independently of the movement of the flexible line (18) relative to the bend limiter.

Abstract: An elastic insert assembly for aligning components to each other includes a first component having a first surface and a second surface. Also included is a second component. Further included is a pocket portion of the second component configured to receive the first component therein, the pocket portion defined by at least one sidewall and a base wall, wherein the at least one sidewall extends from the base wall in an angularly outward direction. Yet further included is at least one elastically deformable perimeter wall of the first component, the at least one elastically deformable perimeter wall tapered inwardly from the first surface to the second surface, the at least one elastically deformable perimeter wall formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform at an interface between the at least one elastically deformable perimeter wall and the at least one sidewall.

Abstract: Folded electrical junction boxes and associated methods of use and manufacture. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an electrical junction box can be provided. The method can include receiving a single sheet or roll of metal. The method can further include initiating a plurality of operations to form at least two electrical junction boxes from the single sheet or roll of metal. The operations can include forming at least one extruded threaded hole in a wall of one of the boxes; cutting the sheet or roll of metal to form a plurality of walls for the boxes; scoring a centerline in at least one surface of one of the boxes; and cutting at least one knockout in at least one wall of one of the boxes. Further, the method can include folding the plurality of walls to form at least one folded electrical junction box.

Abstract: An air-driven feeder tool is provided for presenting swagable collars one at a time for placement on the shanks of lockbolts and thereby made ready for the application of a swaging tool. The swaging tool breaks off a pintail from the lockbolt and a vacuum system draws the broken-off pintails through a vacuum device and into a receptacle for safe disposal. The feeder mechanism comprises a magazine holding a supply f side-by-side collars, a presentation piece holding a short working collars and a worker-actuable trigger mechanism between the two queues for transferring collars, one at a time, from the magazine to the presentation queue. Two embodiments of the feeder tool are disclosed, each with a unique trigger position.

Abstract: A hybrid cannula may comprise a first portion formed from a first material, a second portion formed from a second material overmolded to the first portion, a third portion formed from a third material and a fourth portion formed from a fourth material overmolded to the third material. The third portion is coupled to the first portion. The first portion may prevent the proximal end of the hybrid cannula from being pushed through a portal. The second portion may include a membrane and the fourth portion may include a dam, the dam defining interior spaces thereof between the proximal and distal ends of the hybrid cannula. The membrane and/or dam may prevent liquid from projecting during insertion or removal of instruments. The distal end of the hybrid cannula may comprise a variety of features.

Abstract: A system for preparing a pre-assembled hanger support. The system includes a bending tool operable to form a bight in the distal end of a structural wire, the bight having a transverse tail extending away from the shaft of the structural wire. The system also includes a wrapping tool having a drive rotor with a clip attachment interface that removably supports a hanger clip and provides selective rotation of the hanger clip and the structural wire, a wire support brace that supports the shaft of the structural wire in substantial alignment with the axis of rotation of the drive rotor, and a tail stop positioned to restrain the rotation of the transverse tail.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a hollow bar that forms elements of a grille or railing of a metalwork piece where the bar is twisted manually, machine-assisted or automated machinery, into a spiral form for decorative or ornamental purposes. By providing the hollow bar to be comprised of separate longitudinal parts which may be hinged-joined to complementarily fastened to each other to form the hollow bar, the longitudinal joints are thus amenable to increased torsional stress, such that each of the parts may be twisted without breaching the material's fatigue limit and the bar as a whole capable of being twisted with more spiral turns within its elasticity limits. The twisted bar may thus be released for re-working for adjustments or re-installation. A number of exemplary joint embodiments, internal and external bracing accessories are also disclosed to cater for the different longitudinal part fabrication, e.g. by extrusion or roll-milling.

Abstract: A method to connect piping and a piping connection, having the features of a ring connector configured to snugly fit around an external diameter of a pipe; and a piping shield connected to the ring connector, the piping shield having at least one observation window cut into the shield, wherein the piping shield covers an abutment end of the pipe to be connected, wherein a joint between the ring connector and the piping shield forms a connection.

Abstract: A method for establishing a nail connection between two components and a nail for this purpose are described. The nail 6 is driven through the non-preholed components in the joint area at a high speed such that the nail point completely penetrates both components and a material collar, which extends into an adhesive layer between the two components, is only formed in the to driving direction in the nail-head-side component.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to improved spacers for insulated glass units. Certain example embodiments relate to corrugated spacers that extend around a periphery of an IG unit. In certain example embodiments, the spacer includes at least one structured concave cavity. When positioned in conjunction with a substrate, the cavity may be filled with a sealant. In certain example embodiments, the sealant may be a thermoplastic sealant. In certain example embodiments, another cavity may be provided that may accept a structural sealant. In certain example embodiments, the thickness of the corrugated faces of a spacer may be less than the thickness of the shoulders of spacer.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling adjacent ends of a pair of pipes includes a sleeve, a split-ring gland positioned around one of the ends of the sleeve, and at least one annular gasket positioned within the split-ring gland and configured to be compressed by the split-ring gland for sealing one pipe end to the sleeve. The split-ring gland includes two partially circular gland members with spaced ends defining a gap. The pipe coupling includes an armor positioned to span the gap between the spaced ends to provide a generally closed annular periphery about the gasket. The armor includes a corrugated portion having a plurality of corrugations engaging the split-ring gland and the gasket during compression of the gasket. The armor is cold formed to improve structural strength and durability.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an assembly comprising a first component (130) joined to a second component (120) by means of an intermediate joint. The first component has a first joining surface arranged coaxially and in spaced juxtaposition around a second joining surface of the second component, such that a radial gap is defined between the first and second joining surfaces. Furthermore, at least one of the first and second joining surfaces comprises a circumferential groove. The intermediate joint is formed by metal material that substantially fills the radial gap, whereby a first portion (141) of the intermediate joint comprises metal material that has been plastically deformed to fill the circumferential groove. According to the invention, the intermediate joint comprises a second portion (142), formed by metal material that has been welded or brazed to the first joining surface and to the second joining surface.

Abstract: During a caulking process, a pressure is applied to a pressure receiving shoulder portion in the same direction as a direction of a clamping force generated by a caulking portion. The clamping force for holding an outer race can thereby be increased. Also, a pressure receiving surface of the pressure receiving shoulder portion is set higher than an end face. Thus, no pressure resulting from plastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the clamping force of the caulking portion is generated. In addition, a groove is formed between the pressure receiving shoulder portion and an end serving as the caulking portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting and crimping a ring on an attachment rod in a hole, comprising a robot, a monitoring and control system and an end tool designed to crimp the ring on the rod. The end tool includes a crimping device and a ring installation device which are solidly connected to a fine-positioning device, by means of which the end tool is attached to an end element of the robot. A ring insertion subassembly of the ring installation device and a crimping nose of the crimping device can move on the end tool so as to be positioned alternatively on an axis of an attachment to be installed, with no controlled movement of the robot when the end tool has been pre-positioned.

Abstract: An outer ring and rolling elements are fitted to a shaft portion of a shaft member for a wheel rolling bearing device from a shaft end portion of the shaft member, an inner ring and rolling elements are fitted to the shaft portion, and then the shaft end portion is clinched to form a clinched portion to thereby fix the inner ring. At this time, the shaft end portion to be clinched has a solid columnar shape, and a clinching jig is pressed against the shaft end portion, and the clinching jig is oscillated while being pressed in a direction toward one end side of the shaft portion to thereby increase the diameter of the shaft end portion to clinch the shaft end portion.

Abstract: Provided is a bushing device capable of improving a tight-fitting structure in which a bushing is tightly pushed into a water-communicating hole. A bushing collar is placed between the bushing and an inner wall of the water-communicating hole. An outer surface of the bushing is tapered, and an inner surface of the bushing collar is tapered in accordance with the outer surface of the bushing. When the bushing is secured to the water-communicating hole, the bushing collar is tightly fit into the water-communicating hole as a result of the wedge-shaped effect exerted between the tapered surfaces of the bushing and the bushing collar. Since the tapered surface of the bushing and the bushing collar are tightly fit, it is possible to significantly improve a heat-conductive efficiency between the bushing and the bushing collar, and reducing procedures needed to exchange casings with a good usability.

Abstract: A piping connector is provided having a ring configured to install around an external diameter of a pipe, the ring having at least one clamp closing portion that has an open uncrimped position and a closed crimped position, a piping shield connected to the ring, the piping shield having at least one penetration to accept the at least one clamp closing portion, wherein the piping shield covers an abutment end of the pipe to be connected, wherein a joint between the ring and the piping shield forms a connection.

Abstract: A first and a second object are joined with the aid of a joining element including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes facing each other are provided in the two objects and the joining element is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap between the two objects. This assembly is then positioned between a support and a sonotrode. The sonotrode and the support are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable device releasably attached to the catheter near the distal end; a generally tubular constraining sleeve extending around and compressing the device to an outer peripheral dimension suitable for endoluminal delivery; a tip fixedly secured to the distal end of the catheter; and a bridge member disposed between the tip and the expandable device so as to fill a gap therebetween as the catheter assembly is bent during endoluminal delivery of the expandable device to a treatment site.

Abstract: A receptacle includes a body configured to receive a liner and a cinch disposed on the body. The cinch includes a projection disposed outward of the body and configured such that at least a portion of the liner can be disposed between the projection and the body. The cinch further includes a slot having an open end and a closed end, wherein the slot is disposed substantially adjacent the projection and configured such that at least a portion of the liner can be disposed and retained within the slot.

Abstract: Described is a tubing assembly which includes a permanently deformable outer tube, an intermediate tube and an inner tube. A radial seal is provided by a uniform radial crimp having a non-zero longitudinal length at a longitudinal location on the tubing assembly. In some embodiments one or both ends of the assembly have a uniform radial crimp and are polished so that the ends of two or more of the tubes are substantially flush with each other to thereby block the passage of fluids between the ends of the tubes. In other embodiments the uniform radial crimps are at other longitudinal locations where a high pressure seal is desired. The longitudinal length and the depth of each uniform radial crimp can be formed to accommodate the requirements of a particular application so that leakage along the tubing assembly is prevented and void volume is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A mandrel for supporting a stent and rollers for pressing a radiopaque marker into a stent are disclosed. The mandrel can have a forward portion for carrying the stent and a rear portion for urging the stent forward portion into a gap between the rollers. The mandrel may be pushed or pulled into the gap, which is sized to allow the rollers to press the marker into engagement with the stent. Prior to moving the mandrel into the gap, the marker may be placed on a surface of the stent or partially inside a recess in the stent. Several markers can be efficiently and uniformly pressed onto the stent by moving the mandrel into the gap in one continuous movement in an axial or lateral direction. Markers can also be pressed onto the stent by placing the stent in the gap and rotating the stent about its central axis.

Abstract: A steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) for a power steering system that surrounds a steering rack in a tubular manner and includes a hydraulic region (32), a mechanical region (34), and as an inner supporting bearing (38), wherein the supporting bearing is held in the steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) by at least two cross-sectional contractions (46) of the housing.

Abstract: A guide rail that includes a base rail having a channel therein and at least one finger extending from a portion of the channel. The guide rail further includes a race insert mounted against the at least one finger. In an embodiment of the invention, the race insert has a first and second raceway associated with the at least one finger extending from a portion of the channel. Further, the first and second raceways have different load transmission directions, wherein the load transmission directions of both the first and second raceways are oblique to the direction that the at least one finger extends from a portion of the channel.

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

Abstract: A crimping tool includes a housing portion defining a funnel segment and a suture locking mechanism positioned to lock sutures therein. One or more sutures can be coupled with a prosthesis and secured to the suture locking mechanism. The suture locking mechanism can be operated to draw the prosthesis through the funnel segment.

Abstract: An improved stent-graft device is provided that delivers a smooth flow surface over a range of operative expanded diameters by applying a unique cover material to the stent through a technique that allows the cover to become wrinkle-free prior to reaching fully deployed diameter. The unique cover material then allows the device to continue to expand to a fully deployed diameter while maintaining a smooth and coherent flow surface throughout this additional expansion. Employed with a self-expanding device, when the device is unconstrained from a compacted diameter it will self-expand up to a fully deployed diameter with the graft being substantially wrinkle-free over diameters ranging from about 30-50% to 100% of the fully deployed diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole well screen, having a base pipe with a filter mounted thereon with the filter comprising plurality of spaced layers including a screen layer. A longitudinally extending channel is formed in the well screen by plastically deforming the filter. The channel is selected to be of a size and shape to accommodate well control lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material which comprises a first knitted steel fiber layer, and a second steel fiber layer, in which the first knitted steel fiber layer and the second steel fiber layer is interlocked to form the material. The orientation of the layer being selected in that if the first knitted steel fiber layer in unlocked state rolls up on one side in a first dimension and the second steel fiber layer in unlocked state rolls up in on one side in this same first dimension, the orientation of the layers being contacting each other when the layers are interlocked, to her compensate the forces within the materials.

Abstract: An elongated optical guidewire assembly, such as for optically imaging a patient from within another catheter, can have a lead portion and a probe portion. A connector between the lead and probe portions can include a bore including first and second bore ends. The first bore end can include a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The second bore end can include a substantially non-circular cross-sectional profile. The bore can be configured to receive the optical guidewire assembly at the first bore end and configured to deform the optical guidewire assembly at the second bore end such that probe and lead ends of the optical guidewire assembly are deformed into a substantially non-circular profile and located between the first and second bore ends.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a ferrule, an inserted optical fiber, an external optical fiber, and a pair of reinforcing members that pinches and reinforces a fusion-spliced portion of the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber. The reinforcing members include adhesion layer on the inner surface thereof which comes in contact with the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber. The adhesion layer is depressed at the position where the inserted optical fiber and the external optical fiber come in contact with each other so as to closely adhere to the outer circumferential surfaces of the optical fibers in the fusion-spliced portion.

Abstract: An equipment piece includes first and second components, such as a vehicle door armrest and a vehicle door. The first component is insertable in a recess, such as a slot, in the second component. The second component may be secured in the first by deformation of a projecting portion configured as a tab having a wall thickness smaller than its longitudinal extension. The tab is anchorable non-positively in the second component after inserting into the recess.

Abstract: A base (and method) for display of a substantially vertical member having a supporting generally cylindrical member, adapted to provide adequate lateral stability to permit the vertical member to remain upright when exposed to lateral forces, to accept and retain liquid, and to allow the liquid to come into contact with the lower end of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is retained within the base by interference fit with a member comprised of an expanding, preferably plastic, foam which is initially in an unexpanded state, and is caused to expand after the cylindrical member is introduced into the base.

Abstract: A method of repairing an acoustically treated area of a composite honeycomb sandwich structure restores the acoustic performance of the structure. An impaired section of the honeycomb core is removed and replaced with a honeycomb repair plug. Cell walls of the repair plug are bonded to cell walls of the core.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical connector. The connector may include a housing, a channel within the housing for receiving an end of an optical fibre, a ferrule, and an optical fibre stub. The connector also has a lens for projecting and/or receiving an expanded beam. A sleeve may surround the ferrule and presents an open end for receiving a termination ferrule of an optical fibre inserted into the channel. The ferrule may be secured by a ring within the channel.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect assembly and method are provided that are suitable for use in both small-scale and large-scale applications. The optical cross-connect assembly comprises first and second stacks of multi-optical fiber connector modules that are configured to orthogonally mechanically couple with one another such that the optical ports of each of the connector modules of the first stack are optically aligned with respective optical ports of all of the connector modules of the second stack, and such that the optical ports of each of the connector modules of the second stack are optically aligned with respective optical ports of all of the connector modules of the first stack.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for fastening a retainer of an airbag, in particular of a window bag, to a body of a motor vehicle. The method for fastening including the steps of: arranging the retainer on the body by inserting a hollow pin in a corresponding bodyshell opening; positioning a tool on the retainer; and pressing a pin into an opening of the hollow pin to radially expand the hollow pin, and thereby securing the hollow pin in the corresponding bodyshell opening.

Abstract: A method for assembling a safety hose sleeve system using a crimper die set which includes an upper die comprising an upper curved compressive face, upper recess walls extending contiguous from the upper compressive face at an acute angle to the upper compressive face, each defining a portion of a cavity. Thrust plate slots extend upward from ends of the upper recess walls. A lower die comprises a lower curved compressive face. Lower recess walls extend contiguous from the lower compressive face at an acute angle to the lower compressive face and define another portion of each cavity. Lower thrust plate slots extend downward from an end of the lower recess walls. Thrust plates extend from the lower thrust plate slot into the upper thrust plate slot, across the cavity at an acute angle to each of the recess walls, defining an outer abutment of the cavity.

Abstract: A filter assembly that includes a shell having anti-rotation features that prevent rotation of the shell relative to the nutplate and a method for producing the disclosed filter assembly are described. The anti-rotation features are knurls and/or surface disruptions that are formed on a surface of a flange on an open end of the shell. The knurls and/or surface disruptions that are formed on a surface on the flange can aid in gripping a surface of an upper groove of the nutplate.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a back frame of a flat panel display device, which joins at least first and second primary assembling pieces to form a back frame, in which the first primary assembling piece has an end forming at least two joint sections, and each of the joint sections has a structure mating an end of the second primary assembling piece, the first primary assembling piece using one of the joint sections to join the corresponding end of the second primary assembling piece, the back frame further including a plurality of bracing pieces that are fixed to the primary assembling pieces; moving the bracing pieces according to a bracing pattern provided in a bracing mold in order to form a corresponding mounting structure on the bracing pieces.

Abstract: Stents that forms protrusions in a crimped state and methods of crimping the stent are disclosed.

Abstract: An explosion resistant armor for use on a military vehicle and method of manufacture. The explosion resistant comprises a plurality of tubular core members rigidly secured together in adjacent rank formation. The rigidly secured core members are sandwiched between upper and lower plates, such that each core member is in the form of a chain of integrally interconnected hollow tetrahedrons.

Abstract: A hollow wire and method of using the hollow wire to wrap or support a flower stem or floral grouping, and/or use in construction, crafts, hobbies, or other uses in need of wire products, is disclosed.

Abstract: An environmental barrier device for use with a storm grate includes a substantially rectangular filter member a first fastening portion, a second fastening portion, a third fastening portion, a fourth fastening portion, a fifth fastening portion, and a sixth fastening portion. The first fastening portion is selectively secured to the third fastening portion and the fourth fastening portion. The second fastening portion is selectively secured to the fifth fastening portion and the sixth fastening portion. The first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge define an opening therebetween.

Abstract: A unitized radial fluid seal includes a shell having a first elastomeric seal body affixed thereto and defining a primary seal lip. A sleeve includes a substantially cylindrical, axially-extending sealing flange and a protective flange extending substantially radially from the axially-extending sealing flange. A spring radially urges the primary seal lip into sealing contact with a sealing surface of the axially-extending sealing flange. A second elastomeric seal body is affixed to the sleeve and includes a resiliently-elastic angled lip extending from a terminal end of the axially-extending sealing flange opposite of the radially-extending protective flange. The sealing surface and an axially-outward facing surface of the angled lip define an angle (?) that is between about 130-170°. The primary seal lip is axially retained between the angled lip and the radially-extending protective flange.

Abstract: An optical connector includes a ferrule connected to an optical fiber cable, a housing for containing the ferrule, a ferrule holding member attached in the housing, and a spring member that urges the ferrule toward the housing. The ferrule holding member includes a support portion which restricts movement of the ferrule toward the tip side of the housing, a fiber insertion groove formed on the ferrule holding member for containing the optical fiber, a crimped portion which is provided on a rear portion of the ferrule holding member. A crimping member is attached to the crimped portion for fixing at least one of a high-tensile-strength wire and an outer sheath of the optical fiber cable. The spring member is attached to the ferrule holding member.