Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting overlapping flat parts in a mechanical joining process, for example for connecting panels, using a mould stamp (1a) and a matrix which is provided with a recess, the parts to be connected being placed between the mould stamp and the matrix. The invention is characterized in that the active axial advancing movement of the mould stamp (1a) is impressed with a tumbling motion throughout the entire joining process or during a part of the joining process and will a variable stamping force (F) which is dependent on said tumbling motion, in or to produce a flow of material that is oriented towards the undercut (6). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: An airbag inflator for generating gas for deploying an airbag includes a cylindrical body, at least one partition disposed in the cylindrical body to divide the cylindrical body into a plurality of combustion chambers, a crimping portion formed at the cylindrical body near an outer periphery of the partition for holding the same, and a coining portion formed in at least one of side surfaces of the partition near the outer periphery thereof. The diameter of the partition is enlarged by the coining portion, so that the outer periphery of the partition securely contacts an inside of the cylindrical body to seal therebetween.

Abstract: In an inertia-press-fit method in which a kinetic energy is applied to at least one of two members in a direction which causes the two members to approach each other, and the two members are press-fitted with each other, an end surface 80 of the first member 10 and a bottom surface 82 of the second member 12 are caused, for stabilizing a relative position of the two members at a time when the press-fitting ends, to butt each other to define the relative position of the two members 10, 12 at the time when the press-fitting ends and, immediately after the butting, at least one of the two members 10, 12 is caused to plastically deform and thereby absorb a remaining kinetic energy of the one of the two members. Thus, the relative position of the two members 10, 12 when the press-fitting ends is stabilized.

Abstract: In a closure device for closing ducts, which are arranged in a housing and in which pressure fluid is conveyed, by means of a closure member that is attached in a duct by a clinch-type engagement, the said closure member including a first recess at its outside periphery, a particularly safe attachment and sealing of the closure member in the housing and a simple and inexpensive design is achieved because the closure member has at least one further recess at its outside periphery.

Abstract: A method is provided for expanding an expandable steel tubular including the steps of: flattening the unexpanded tubular; transporting the flattened unexpanded tubular to a location at or near the site where the tubular is to be installed; unflattening the tubular before positioning the tubular at said site; and expanding the tubular along at least a substantial part of its length before or after the tubular has been positioned at said site.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 3 the present invention relates to a method of manufacture of a product from a first component (4) of deformable material and a second component (5), the method comprising the steps of: inserting a portion of the first component (4) through an aperture predefined in the second component (5); and subsequently deforming the material of the first component (4) to form a pair of spaced apart shoulders (50) integral with the first component (4), the spaced apart shoulders (50) holding therebetween the second component (5) and thereby preventing the second component (5) sliding along the first component (4); wherein: each shoulder (50) is formed by applying tool means (20, 21) to a surface of the first component (4) to create a recess in the surface and to form the shoulder (50) adjacent to the recess with the shoulder (50) being formed by displacement of the deformable material of the first component (4) during the creation of the recess.

Abstract: A golf club such as an iron golf club comprising a head body with a cavity formed on the rear surface thereof and a back member securely fitted into the cavity, with the both closely contacted each other. Prior to securing a back member 9 to a cavity 8 formed on the rear surface 7 of the head body 6, the back member 9 is heated to a high temperature. The temperature is set at about 750 degrees centigrade, approximated to standard finishing forging temperature if the member 9 is made of titanium or titanium alloy. As the back member 9 is fitted through deformation processing with the same being heated to the high temperature, the flow stress of the metallic material of the back member 9 can be lowered, thus enhancing ductility thereof. As a result, a front surface 14 and a peripheral surface 15 can be closely contacted by the cavity 8 without gaps, so that the back member 9 can be rigidly secured to the cavity 8.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling together in a turbofan engine the guide vane and the inner vane shroud. The assembly includes a bushing positioned within a shroud port for receiving the inner trunnion of the vane. A washer located between the bushing and a trunnion button of the vane provides substantial retaining contact between the bushing and the vane. A shroud retainer affixed to the inner surface of the shroud captures the bushing in the shroud port. The retainer preferably spans a series of shroud sections for as much as about one-half of the entire circumference of the shroud. The combination of the washer and the retainer with significant span reduces movement between the shroud and the vane. Wear on the vane trunnion is therefore reduced and maintenance obligations correspondingly reduced.

Abstract: A bendable tube used for an endoscope or the like, includes a plurality of joint pieces 11 arranged in a row. Each of the joint pieces is provided at one end portion thereof with a pair of first connecting portions 12 and at the other end portion with a pair of second connecting portions 13. The first connecting portions 12 are projected in a center axis direction of the joint piece and arranged 180 degrees away from each other in a peripheral direction, and the second connecting portions 13 are projected in the opposite direction to the first connecting portions 12 and arranged 180 degrees away from each other in the peripheral direction. The first connecting portion 12 is formed with a through-hole 12a (retaining portion) and the second connecting portion 13 is formed with a protrusion 13a. The first and second connecting portions 12, 13 of the adjacent joint pieces 11 are connected together only by fitting engagement between the protrusion 13a and the through-hole 12a.

Abstract: A method for repositioning or repairing holes in metal substrates such as metal components used in jet engines and the like. The hole to be repositioned or repaired is enlarged and a recess is formed at each end of the enlarged hole. A deformable metal insert is then inserted within the enlarged hole and then subjected to physical forces so as to cause it to deform and frictionally engage the walls of the recesses and the enlarged hole so that the insert becomes axially fixed therein. A new, repositioned hole can then be formed in the fixed insert that extends completely therethrough.

Abstract: A base plate for press fitting into an actuator arm boss hole of a predetermined nominal diameter. The base plate has a flange and a hub extending from a region at which the hub meets the flange to an outer end of the hub. The hub has a number of vertical teeth protruding from the hub extending from the outer end of the hub to the region at which the hub meets the flange. The hub has an outer diameter which is greater than the predetermined nominal diameter of the actuator arm boss hole. A corner relief is provided that circumscribes the region at which the hub meets the flange.

Abstract: A base plate for press fitting into a boss hole of a predetermined nominal diameter. The base plate has a flange and a hub extending from a region at which the hub meets the flange to an outer end of the hub. The hub has a number of vertical slots cut through the hub extending from the outer end of the hub part way or all the way to the region at which the hub meets the flange a space between slots determining boundaries of a prong. The hub has an outer diameter which is greater than the predetermined nominal diameter or alternatively the hub has an outer diameter at the region at which the hub meets the flange which is not greater than the predetermined nominal diameter, in which case each the prong extends outward to a prong outer diameter which is greater than the predetermined nominal diameter. Also the base plate may have a corner relief that circumscribes the region at which the hub meets the flange.

Abstract: A slip yoke assembly includes a slip yoke having a barrel portion extending from a first end to a second end and a lug portion extending from the first end thereof. The barrel portion has a bore extending from the first end to the second end. The bore has a splined inner surface. The slip yoke assembly also includes a plug having a flange portion. The flange portion is attached to the first end of the barrel portion of the slip yoke. The plug also has a body portion which extends from the flange portion a predetermined distance into the bore. The slip yoke assembly also includes a shaft having an end portion disposed inside the bore of the slip yoke. The end portion includes an end which abuts the body portion of the plug. The end portion of the shaft has a splined outer surface which cooperates with the splined inner surface of the slip yoke bore to provide a rotatable connection between the shaft and the slip yoke while allowing a limited amount of relative axial movement therebetween.

Abstract: A support structure includes first and second support members which are interlocked with a body. The second support member is placed in a die such that a hole of the second support member is located at a predetermined position and the body is placed on the second support member. The first support member is placed on the body such that apertures of the support members and an opening of the body are aligned. A shaping pin is then advanced toward the first support member in alignment with the predetermined position so that a shoulder of the shaping pin extends into the first support member. The shaping pin continues to advance through the first support member until a portion of the body extends past a surface of the second support member, thereby joining the first and second support members and the body together.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing an ultra high-pressure fluid pulse to perform metal working operations, including joining and cold working. In one application, an ultra high-pressure fluid pulse is directed into a hollow rivet that is seated within an orifice formed in two metal sheets, causing the fastener to expand outwardly, in an interference fit with the orifice that joins the metal sheets together. The ultra high-pressure fluid pulse can alternatively be applied to the metal sheets to plastically deform them into a cavity to form a clinch fastener joint. Further, the ultra high-pressure fluid pulse is usable to plastically deform the interface between stacked metal sheets or other components into surface features that are provided on one of the sheets, to form a mechanical interlock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fastening components on a hollow shaft (1), during which process the components (21, 22, 23), exhibiting an opening, are put into specified positions on the hollow shaft (1) and for the purpose of fastening components (21, 22, 23) the hollow shaft (1) is expanded by introducing a pressure medium. Support matrices (3) are arranged only between the components (21, 22, 23) for the purpose of bracing the regions of the hollow shaft (1) between the components (21, 22, 23) during the expansion operation.

Abstract: An element, for example an element with a hollow body or a bolt element, in particular a nut element, for attachment to a plate-like component, has a ring-shaped recess or annular groove present at an end face of the element facing the component within a raised ring-shaped contact surface. At least one undercut is preferably provided in a side wall of the recess, and also features radial recesses and noses which extend into the ring recess providing security against rotation. A cylindrical punch section or pilot concentric to the central longitudinal axis of the element projects at the said end face within the ring-shaped recess and the outer boundary wall of the cylindrical punch section preferably has ring-shaped undercut.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for mechanically joining metal sheets, profiles and/or multi-sheet joints lying on top of each other, wherein joining tools are moved by power means towards the parts to be joined and a joint is made between the parts to be joined by the force effect of the joining tools. To make the joining tools easier to handle and widen the range of application for joints, it is proposed to reduce the reaction forces of the joining process by the fact that one joining tool applies the joining force to the joint at an exciting frequency which is above the characteristic frequency of the opposite joining tool, and the mounting of at least one joining tool is isolated from vibrations. The vibration isolation can also be arranged exclusively or in addition in the excited joining tool or the parts to be joined.

Abstract: To provide a durable catalytic converter or heat exchanger to be used in an exhaust gas cleaning-up system for an internal combustion engine or the like. A durable catalytic converter, heat exchanger or the like is provided by use of a supporting member provided with a low-friction layer to smoothly assemble a ceramic honeycomb structure in a metallic can.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved die member, panel and fastener assembly and method for installing a fastener into a panel. The die member has a pair of opposed clinching lips protruding from an end face. The opposed clinching lips have a contact face that narrows as it approaches the opposed ends of the contact face and sidewalls that are angled with respect to vertical. The lips, due to the dual angles, substantially and simultaneously drive panel metal into fastener grooves both longitudinally and laterally. The fastener and panel assembly have panel metal deformed into the fastener grooves resulting in generally wedge-shaped portions of panel metal in the opposed ends of the fastener grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a bushing baseplate, and to a bushing baseplate. The bushing baseplate is characterized in that it comprises tips (18) constituted by hollow tubular elements of outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of holes (16) in the plate (12) forming the bushing baseplate, which tips are subjected to a step of being expanded radially relative to their axes. The method is simpler and less expensive.

Abstract: An assembly is formed of two parts sleeved together in a cruciform arrangement, namely an at least locally cylindrical part and a tubular part having a transverse hole into which the cylindrical part is forcibly inserted. To brace internally the wall of the tubular part on the side from which the cylindrical part is inserted, before such insertion a spacer is inserted into the tubular part through the hole in it and thereafter extends along a portion of the perimeter of the hole. Applications include the assembly of two parts.

Abstract: Two or several overlaying sheet formed members are joined together using an essentially coaxial arrangement of a punch, a die with a die cavity, and an anvil.

Abstract: The method of making a joint connection between exciter poles and the pole housing of an electrical machine includes positively displacing material of the pole housing (10) pointwise by means of the joining tool into a recess (22) provided in each of the exciter poles (12) at respective joining points to make a form- and force-locking connection of the exciter poles with the pole housing.

Abstract: An assembly technique for closing a movable socket (10) without the need to deform or displace any portion of the socket housing (12), thereby allowing for the use of fully hardened socket housing materials. The internal components of the movable socket are installed within the housing through an opening (16), and a conical cover-plate (66) is positioned over the components, within the opening. An assembly tool (100) configured to exert pressure on the conical cover-plate is brought into engagement with the plate, and a downward load is applied, expanding the plate to seat within a circumferential groove (22) in the housing. The assembly tool includes a specifically contoured face (109) which alters the angle at which pressure is exerted against the expanding conical cover-plate as the plate deforms to a generally planar configuration, closing the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with rods and connective links that engage one another so as to resist lateral and rotational movement about the rods during conveyor operation. The links are affixed on the rods by resistance welding the rod to the link apertures. In addition to the resistance weld, the rods include diametrically enlarged protrusions or swells that are placed proximate the link apertures to constrain the links from lateral movement on the rod. At the ends of the rod, this protrusion is in the form of an upset or button head. Alternative embodiments also include rotational constraints of the links relative to the rod. The additional fixation steps such as manual welding used in conventional belt manufacture are thus eliminated. By affixing the links and rods together in the manner disclosed, repeated movements of the link legs relative to the rods are eliminated thereby significantly reducing the chances of fatigue failure of the links.

Abstract: Bimetallic coin or a medal and a method for producing the same, which is easy to form a ring and an insert composing the coin or the medal, yet costs low, and can assure a higher joining force between the ring and the insert. The method includes processes for forming a ring by subjecting a first metal to blanking, annealing, and pickling, forming an insert thicker than the ring by subjecting a second metal to blanking and annealing, forming a thickened rim on each side, and an annular ridge around the circumferential surface of the insert, and pickling the insert, and joining the ring and the insert by causing plastic metal flow of the ridge of the insert into the inner circumferential surface of the ring through pressing the insert inserted in the center of the ring; and a bimetallic coin formed with the method.

Abstract: An optimized low profile swage mount or press-in fitted base plate for attachment of a suspension assembly to an actuator arm in a hard disk drive. The base plate has a base plate thickness, TBP, overall height, HH, hub inner diameter, DID, hub outer diameter, DOD, hub inner surface depth, HIS, hub radial width, WH, which is one half the hub outer diameter minus the hub inner diameter (DOD-DID)/2, and a counter bore depth Hcb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for minimizing undesirable gaps in riveted assemblies. The method includes the steps of selecting a rivet having a head and a tail with identical forming characteristics, positioning the selected rivet in an assembly that is countersunk on one of two sides, and applying a force over time to the head of the rivet and a force over time to the tail of the rivet that are equal and opposite, compensating for force unbalancing characteristics of the countersink.

Abstract: A brake shoe for disc brakes comprises a pad back plate which, on a first face thereof, is provided with a friction pad and, on a second face thereof, has a projection to which a retaining spring is fixed to prevent rotation of the retaining spring relative to the pad back plate. The projection extends through a non-circular opening in the retaining spring and comes into intimate contact with the opening when deformed radially by the application of an axial force to the projection to produce a form-lock which prevents the retaining spring from rotating relative to the pad back plate.