Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) chassis includes a first subassembly including a first panel attached to a first plurality of beams. A second similarly constructed subassembly is positioned parallel to the first subassembly. First and second end panels are attached to the first and second subassemblies so that the first and second subassemblies are maintained parallel. A plurality of side beams including a first side panel are interconnected between the first and second subassemblies so that all the panels and beams define a cavity having an open side. An access panel is movably attached to the open side. All of the panels used in the chassis construction are exterior panels.

Abstract: An example concrete wall form assembly includes a frame having a plurality of studs. A first panel and a second panel fasten to the plurality of studs. The first panel and the second panel span the studs to provide a wall form that has a concrete receiving cavity having a cavity height. The wall form includes an aperture for moving concrete through the wall form to the concrete receiving cavity. The aperture has a first aperture height less than the concrete receiving cavity height.

Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly is provided including a substantially transparent panel having an outer periphery and opposing inner and outer surfaces. The roof assembly also includes a preformed, one-piece support member having opposing upper and lower surfaces defining an opening, and a stepped region configured to mate with and thereby support the substantially transparent panel such that the substantially transparent panel covers the opening and the outer surface is flush with the upper surface of the support member. A trim member is disposed about the outer periphery of the substantially transparent panel to create a water-tight seal. The stepped region preferably extends continuously about an inner periphery of the support member to engage with the entire outer periphery of the substantially transparent panel. A headliner trim member preferably attaches a headliner to the stepped region such that the support member is substantially nonvisibile from the inside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a motorhome, wherein the motorhome comprises a chassis, a vehicle frame, and a coach body. In one embodiment, the method begins by prefabricating the frame by joining a plurality of parallel elongate members with cross-tie members. The frame is prefabricated separate from the chassis, and in one embodiment, the frame is prefabricated upside down such that the underside of the frame is accessible for attachment of a plurality of bulkheads. Then, the frame is rotated upright and positioned atop the chassis. In one embodiment, the rails of the chassis lie inside a channel defined by the plurality of bulkheads. Next, additional bulkheads are joined to the frame and chassis to further interconnect the frame and chassis. Preferably, the additional bulkheads comprise an opening such that the additional bulkheads can surround the chassis on all sides. Finally, the coach body is assembled on the frame.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a stand for a display unit is formed by machining one metal plate. Namely, this metal plate includes a fixing plate part fixed to a cabinet of a display unit, a flange formed by cutting and bending a part of the fixed plate part, a bottom plate part which is continued from the fixed plate part, and bent in the same direction as the flange, and a support plate part which is formed by bending a part of the bottom plate part, and connecting to the flange.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a node for joining a plurality of structural members together, such as in a vehicular body and frame assembly, is well suited for joining structural members that are formed from differing materials. An insert is provided having a node securing portion and a mounting portion that is adapted to have a structural member secured thereto. A node is formed about the node securing portion of the insert for joining a plurality of structural members together. The insert can be formed from a first material, while the node can be formed from a second material that is different from the first material. The insert can be provided with a node securing portion having at least one aperture or protrusion formed therein, and the node can be formed within or about the aperture or protrusion. A plurality of inserts can be provided, each having a node securing portion and a mounting portion, and the node can be formed about each of the node securing portions of the inserts.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for reinforcing, sealing or baffling a structure of an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. The member preferably includes a carrier member and an activatable (e.g., expandable, curable or both) material disposed upon a surface of the carrier member. The carrier member is preferably formed of a thermosettable material such as a molding compound (e.g., a sheet or bulk molding compound).

Abstract: A rebar support bracket for use in forming concrete structures formed so as to be saddled over a supported rebar member. The bracket member is configured to be spaced a predetermined distance away from a form member and has an upper and lower generally C-shaped appendage to receive transverse running rebar members.

Abstract: A rebar support bracket for use in forming concrete structures formed as a generally U-shaped bracket member having two legs and an intermediate segment therebetween. The bracket member is configured to slide over a form member used to form a structure into which concrete is to be poured, with its legs depending along the form member a predetermined distance. Each leg of the bracket member has two spaced-apart J-shaped members aligned vertically with each other, and each J-shaped member is configured to support a rebar member to be used in forming the structure. A retention nipple or appendage is preferably included at the end of the J-shaped members. Notches or scored grooved are located to remove the intermediate segment. The bracket can also be made as a half bracket for use on end forms.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lower body component for a vehicle is provided including forming a one-piece floor pan at least partially defining a vehicle passenger compartment and substantially extending longitudinally at least the entire length thereof, and forming a one piece reinforcement structural member for reinforcing the pan. The method also includes simultaneously forming the pan and one-piece reinforcement structural member by stacking a pair of weldable sheet metal blanks sufficiently close together to define a comon interface, positioning the stacked blanks between moveable profile forming dies, heating the dies so that the blanks reach a superplastic forming temperature, and plastically deforming the stacked blanks into a lower body component having the profile of the dies. The method also includes friction stir welding of the stacked blanks at the common interface.

Abstract: In this manufacturing method for a frame body, after ring rolling a metal material to form a ring-shaped member, a rectangular member is formed by pressing and deforming this ring-shaped member in the radial direction. At this time, an angle of corner portions that impart the rectangular shape to the rectangular member is formed smaller than an angle of the frame body that is to be obtained by die forging the rectangular member. According to the frame body obtained by this manufacturing method for a frame body, it is possible to increase the mechanical strength, and in particular, the creep strength. Furthermore, when forming the frame body, the occurrence of defects during manufacture may be restrained, it becomes possible to realize a reduction of the amount of waste metal material and the manufacturing time, and thereby this frame body may be formed inexpensively.

Abstract: A vehicle body compartment lid includes a unitary, one-piece panel. The panel has both an inner panel portion and an outer panel portion, and is bent or folded such that the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion are in juxtaposition with one another. A method of manufacturing a vehicle body compartment lid employing the panel is also provided. The panel is preferably formed using fluid pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for molding a bicycle tube and the method comprises the following steps: first, providing a tube and then controlling thickness of the tube by a drawing and extruding process for forming a molding portion. Second, plasticize other portions of the tube into particular diameters and shapes by plasticizing processes. Third, hydroform the molding portion of the tube by a mold and a hydroforming device for forming particular three-dimensional shapes. By applying to the above-mentioned method, the tube could be molded into a three-dimensional, unique and delicate shape.

Abstract: Buoys are used for mooring purposes and as navigational marks. An embodiment of the invention is be explained in relation to catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM) buoys. Conventional CALM buoys generally have a hull constructed of steel plate by traditional ship building techniques requiring plate benders. Webs, beams and girders are welded inside the hull which is divided into several tanks. The buoy has a central moonpool and a steel turntable. Bending plate, in effect, doubles its cost. A method of constructing a buoy is disclosed, comprising: constructing a framework and affixing flat steel plate to it.

Abstract: A method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wood material is provided. This invention provides a low cost, highly reliable, low defect method of producing window components by machining from a singular piece of material, providing bendable portions, with angled portions adapted to fit together to define a wide range of window shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a motorhome, wherein the motorhome comprises a chassis, a vehicle frame, and a coach body. In one embodiment, the method begins by prefabricating the frame by joining a plurality of parallel elongate members with cross-tie members. The frame is prefabricated separate from the chassis, and in one embodiment, the frame is prefabricated upside down such that the underside of the frame is accessible for attachment of a plurality of bulkheads. Then, the frame is rotated upright and positioned atop the chassis. In one embodiment, the rails of the chassis lie inside a channel defined by the plurality of bulkheads. Next, additional bulkheads are joined to the frame and chassis to further interconnect the frame and chassis. Preferably, the additional bulkheads comprise an opening such that the additional bulkheads can surround the chassis on all sides. Finally, the coach body is assembled on the frame.

Abstract: The structural member (1) has a generally U-shaped cross-section and comprises a base portion (2) and two leg portions (3) extending at substantially right angles from said base portion. The member comprises at least one thin sheet or foil which is corrugated in a continuous waveform in the longitudinal direction of the member. Each leg portion (3) includes a first section (3a) forming an inner wall of the leg portion and a second section (3b) parallel with said first section and joining the first section along a first joining line (4) and the base portion along a second joining line (5). The structural member according to the invention is flexible so that it may conform to the surface to which it is to be fastened, but is after fastening to the surface resistant to bending, torsional, tensile and compressive forces and creates a good base for placement of load-carrying composite material, primarily on the base portion.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a method of manufacturing a thin wall isogrid casing by a chip machining process comprises the steps of: positioning a substantially cylindrical casing (10) on a support (20); the support having a substantially continuous cylindrical support surface (22) engaging at least part of the inner or outer surface of the casing; and machining a plurality of recessed pockets in the said inner or outer surface of the casing opposite the surface engaged by the said support; whereby the support reacts loads acting on the casing by the chip machining tool during machining to minimise distortion of the casing and tearing of the pockets being formed. With this method isogrid pockets (14) can be chip machined, by drilling and/or milling etc, with pocket wall thicknesses of less that 1 mm.

Abstract: A first and second component joint includes using a fastener having a first end, and a flange having a diameter greater than a tubular barrel portion. A second end having a second tubular barrel portion merges into a shoulder of a flange part having a greater diameter than the barrel portion. The first tubular barrel portion is deformed radially outwardly sandwiching the first component between the flange and the first barrel portion. The second end of the fastener is introduced through a hole in the second component by applying the second component to the first component so the shoulder of the flanged part abuts the second component spacing the second component from the first component. The fastener device is fastened to the second component by deforming the second tubular barrel portion radially outwardly sandwiching the second component between the shoulder and the tubular barrel portion.

Abstract: A crossarm system adapted to support power lines from a vertical pole. The crossarm system comprises a wooden crossarm member and first and second nail end plates. The wooden crossarm member defines upper, lower, inner, and outer surfaces and first and second end surfaces, a main bore, a plurality of pin bores, and at least one brace bore. Each nail end plate comprises a plate member defining an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of nail projections extending from the inner surface of the plate member. Each nail projection defines a width dimension. In use, the first and second nail end plates are displaced towards the first and second end surfaces, respectively, such that the nail projections enter the wooden crossarm member. The nail projections are arranged such that the width dimensions substantially prevent splitting of the ends of the crossarm member.

Abstract: Substantially rectangular-shaped tanks are provided for storing liquefied gas, which tanks are especially adapted for use on land or in combination with bottom-supported offshore structure such as gravity-based structures (GBS). A tank according to this invention is capable of storing fluids at substantially atmospheric pressure and has a plate cover adapted to contain fluids and to transfer local loads caused by contact of said plate cover with said contained fluids to a grillage of stiffeners and stringers, which in turn is adapted to transfer the local loads to an internal truss frame structure. Methods of constructing these tanks are also provided.

Abstract: A method of plugging an area of damaged mesh in a sifting screen. The method is applicable to screens in which woven wire mesh is stretched, tensioned and secured over a supporting frame containing a plurality of windows and in which local damage to the mesh is in an area of the mesh which overlies one of the windows. The method has the steps of inserting into the window a device which is a close fit therein, and securing the device in the window so as to completely cover the area of damaged mesh. The device may be a former having stretched thereacross and secured thereto mesh similar to that stretched across the window in question, or simply a plate or block. The device may be secured in place by a force or interference fit, mechanical means, or adhesive, or the device may be resiliently deformable to allow it to be pushed past a projection in the window, so as to snap fit the device in place.

Abstract: A structural member having at least two non-coplanar surfaces is reinforced by providing a drop in insert between the surfaces. The insert is a carrier having an expandable structural foam intimately bonded to the carrier. When the foam is expanded, the foam becomes intimately bonded to the surfaces of the structural member to reinforce the structural member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assembling at least two simple sheet metal elements (1, 2, 3, 11, 12, 21, 21?, 22, 22?) for producing a structural part with open section, preferably U-shaped, or closed section, at least one of the metal elements having a high or very high yield strength and low deformability. The invention is characterized in that the metal elements are formed by at least a folding process; the metal elements are arranged relative to each other along a junction section; the metal elements are assembled by a crimped lap-joint (4) along the junction section of said elements.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a support structure. In one embodiment, the method is comprised of forming a layer of material into the support structure. The layer of material is adapted to be attached onto a substrate surface. The method further comprises treating the layer of material. The present method is further comprised of etching said layer of material. The fabricated support structure is then implementable during assembly of a display device. In one embodiment, the support structure is attached to the substrate surface prior to the forming, treating, and etching of the layer of material. In another embodiment, the support structure is attached to the substrate surface subsequent to the forming, treating, and etching of the layer of material.

Abstract: A process for the production of a panel with a protective acoustic damping layer. The protective layer includes at least one porous core covered, on the one side, with a porous acoustic damping layer and on the other side with an acoustic reflector. The porous damping layer is emplaced by striping or draping. The porous damping layer consists of parallel strips. Edges of the strips of the porous damping layer are positioned facing a strip deposited by striping or draping and containing a thermoplastic, thermosetting or thermofusible material adapted, by subsequent heating, to ensure the securement of the edges of said strips of the porous damping layer with the adjacent strip of thermoplastic, thermosetting or thermofusible material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a motorhome, wherein the motorhome comprises a chassis, a vehicle frame, and a coach body. In one embodiment, the method begins by prefabricating the frame by joining a plurality of parallel elongate members with cross-tie members. The frame is prefabricated separate from the chassis, and in one embodiment, the frame is prefabricated upside down such that the underside of the frame is accessible for attachment of a plurality of bulkheads. Then, the frame is rotated upright and positioned atop the chassis. In one embodiment, the rails of the chassis lie inside a channel defined by the plurality of bulkheads. Next, additional bulkheads are joined to the frame and chassis to further interconnect the frame and chassis. Preferably, the additional bulkheads comprise an opening such that the additional bulkheads can surround the chassis on all sides. Finally, the coach body is assembled on the frame.

Abstract: A device (6) for producing a folding top (2) of a convertible, which comprises a frame region (4) for gripping a windowpane (3), especially a rear window, at least partially, a part (5) of the folding top (2), including the frame region (4) being holdable and connectable with the windowpane (3), wherein the device (6) comprises a fixing device (8) for holding the windowpane (3) in an accurately fitting manner with respect to the frame region (4).

Abstract: A sandwich structure does not permit the permeation of water and a sandwich structure repairing method is capable of easily repairing the sandwich structure. A sandwich structure (1) includes a core (4) formed of a closed-cell foam plastic material, and surface plates (2, 3) formed of a fiber-reinforced composite material containing hydrophobic inorganic fibers as reinforcing fibers and bonded to the opposite surfaces of the core (4). Water is unable to permeate the sandwich structure.

Abstract: A hydroformable frame element is formed from the combination of at least two elements. The at least two elements are designed with a partially overlapping region, with an annular space defined within the overlapping region. The annular space is filled with adhesive, which is then cured to bond the at least two elements together. The adhesive bond is designed to withstand the stresses caused by the hydroforming operation and to retain its strength so that the hydroformed article is then usable as a vehicular frame element.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a support structure. In one embodiment, the method is comprised of providing a mold. The mold is for defining the physical dimension of the support structure. The mold is disposed upon a substrate surface. In one embodiment, the method is further comprised of depositing a powder into the mold. The present method is further comprised of compacting the powder deposited in the mold. The compacting forms the support structure. In one embodiment, the method is further comprised of removing the mold from the substrate surface upon which it is disposed. The removal of the mold exposes the support structure. The fabricated support structure is then implementable during assembly of a display device. In one embodiment, the powder deposited in the mold is a metal powder.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of a joint (20) for connecting a leg (23) to a table surface or similar element, said joint (20) being of the type comprising: an expandable body, or expander (16) which can be inserted in the complementary hollow top of said leg (23), at least one expansion grub screw (21) which is screwed into a relative threaded nut (22) fitted into a housing (12) of said expander (16), said grub screw (21) being maneuverable from the outside of the leg (23), and anchoring devices (19) joined to the expander (16) for attaching the surface thereto, is characterized in that said expander (16) and said anchoring devices (19) are produced as two separate components which are subsequently firmly joined together, for example by means of welding.

Abstract: A method is described for making a reinforcing wire frame for embedding in a moulded polymer support frame over which woven wire cloth is to be stretched and secured to form a sifting screen. The method involves locating lengths of cut wire substantially equally spaced apart in a jig to form a first array. A second array of lengths of cut wire is located over the first array with the lengths of wire in the second array being substantially at right angles to those of the first array. The lengths of wire in the first and second arrays are resistance welded at points of mutual intersection so as to form a first substantially rectilinear matrix.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing loading plane border frame tubes for chairs utilizes continuous roll-forming processes to roll a base material to form loading plane border frame tubes for use on chairs. The processes include: transport a steel sheet to a roller leveler for flattening; then roll the steel sheet through a first roller calender, a second roller calender, a third roller calender, and a fourth roller calender to form a semi-finished tube; send the semi-finished tube to a high frequency generator for welding and soldering at high temperature; trim the semi-finished tube in a trimming machine; and roll the semi-finished tube through a fifth roller calender to form a finished tube of a selected shape for making border frames of loading planes of the chairs.

Abstract: A cup shaped yoke made of sheet material has an opening portion provided in a side wall on an axial end side, a shoulder portion provided in the sidewall on another axial end side, a magnet installation portion for installing a magnet, which is provided in the side wall between the opening and shoulder portions and whose wall thickness is substantially equal to thickness of the sheet material, and a bottom portion, which is provided in a bottom wall, having a boss shaped bearing accommodating portion in a center thereof. Each wall thickness of the opening, shoulder and bottom portions including the boss shaped bearing accommodating portion is equal to or smaller than a half of wall thickness of the magnet installation portion.

Abstract: A method for producing window components using polymer based, metallurgy based, extruded, injection molded, or wood material is provided. This invention provides a low cost, highly reliable, low defect method of producing window components by machining from a singular piece of material, providing bendable portions, with angled portions adapted to fit together to define a wide range of window shapes and sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of a composite material from superposed layers of solid and frothable metallic materials. The structural component consists of at least one layer of a solid metallic material and at least one layer of frothable metallic material. The structural component may be structured as a composite sheet or as a hollow body. The fabrication method of the structural component insures a good bond between the solid metallic layer and the frothable layer and that the frothable layer is securely attached to the solid metallic layer.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for continuously producing corrugations in an extruded plastic web (2) includes a master roller (22) and at least one auxiliary roller (24). Each roller is mounted rotatably about its central axis. A first set of interchangeable, elongated profiled inserts (28) are attachable around, and projecting from, the master roller (22), while a second set of interchangeable, elongated, profiled inserts (28′) are attachable around, and projecting from, the first auxiliary roller (24). The two sets of inserts (22, 22′) are configured such that, when the master roller (22) and the auxiliary roller (24) turn synchronously in opposite directions, the rollers and the first and second sets of inserts cooperate to define and advancing corrugated profile. Also described are various forms of the resulting web, and method for constructing a roof using such web.

Abstract: A plate material is drawn to form a first-drawing product in the shape of an elliptically cylindrical container having an elliptical cross section. Then, the first-drawing product is drawn to form a re-drawing product in the shape of a generally circular cylindrical container. Next, the re-drawing product is drawn to form a late-drawing product in the shape of an elliptically cylindrical container having an elliptical cross section in which a major axis and a minor axis of the elliptical cross section are reversed with respect to a major axis and a minor axis of the elliptical cross section of the first-drawing product. Thereafter, the late-drawing product is drawn to form a final product as a yoke.

Abstract: An optical switch disposed in intermediate positions of optical paths to define a channel of a light signal constitutes a cell member in whose interior cells are formed and a waveguide member having fine slits; and a gas is filled in cells of which side walls are formed by piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements or antiferroelectric elements, a liquid is filled in the fine slits, and the cells and the fine slits are communicated to each other via a communicating hole; optical waveguides intersect at the fine slits, and the-cells are disposed at the crossing locations, and said side walls are expanded/constricted by applying an electric field to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements or antiferroelectric elements which form the side walls of the cells, and a part of the gas stored in each cell is ejected at a corresponding intersection area from said communicating hole into the corresponding fine slit.

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a partition panel, a fabric covering the panel, and a frame component. The frame component automatically and evenly tensions the fabric about the panel. The frame component provided according to this method includes a support element, a lockable element, and an integral hinge defined between the support and lockable elements. The support element defines a cavity for receiving and supporting the panel. The lockable element extends from and is moveable relative to the support element. The panel is inserted into the cavity, and the fabric is mounted to the lockable element. Next, the lockable element is moved about the integral hinge such that the fabric mounted to the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel. A backing strip may be mounted to the frame component to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load-bearing vehicle roof of so-called sandwich construction, wherein the material layer included in the vehicle roof comprises polymeric materials, laminate materials and/or metal layers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a vehicle roof. The load-bearing vehicle roof according to the invention comprises an outer cover layer (1), a core (3) and an inner cover layer (4) which together form a load-bearing structure. The load-bearing vehicle roof according to the invention is characterized in that at least one insulating layer (5) and/or a decorative layer (6), intended to be visible from a passenger compartment within a motor vehicle, is/are provided inside the inner cover layer (4), and that the insulating and/or the decorative layers (6) are provided as layers of the load-bearing vehicle roof before mounting onto the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A frame apparatus made of two side frames and four interlocking cross arm supports, held together with a locking member with leg support feature. This configuration provides a frame apparatus that is less complex to assemble, and when the components are in place and locked together, the shape of the frame apparatus will not become distorted. In a preferred embodiment the frame apparatus is used as a bed frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a connector point on a travel way for a track-bound vehicle, in particular, a maglev train, between a support (2) and at least one additional piece (3), fixed to the support (2) for guiding said vehicle, whereby said support is erected in a position essentially corresponding to the installation position thereof, or at a defined tolerance therefrom. The position of the connector points, between support and additional piece (3) is measured and where necessary during production, due to the specified dimensions thereof, material is either added to are taken from the connection point.

Abstract: A multi-section support rail has a first section with an outer circumferential wall, a parallel inner circumferential wall and a transverse web extending longitudinally therealong, a second section hollow tubular section with an outer circumferential wall and a parallel inner circumferential wall. The outer circumferential walls are substantially identical dimensionally. The sections are joined at mating surfaces,. The joined sections are pre-bent at the second section and then hydroformed to a final desired shape. The transverse web retains the extruded dimensions throughout the hydroforming process.

Abstract: A honeycomb cell structure has a plurality of first strips each formed into a generally zig-zag configuration and placed side by side to form a plurality of rows of cells in a generally honeycomb configuration with nodes between adjacent cells in each row, and a plurality of second strips of brazing foil. Each second strip is positioned between a respective pair of adjacent first strips and the first and second strips are secured together at each node such that a brazing foil strip extends across each cell in each row of the honeycomb. The second strips have a series of spaced slits extending transversely from at least one side edge across at least a distance equal to greater than half of the width of the second strip, with at least some of the slits being located within the cells.

Abstract: In a hinge-part blank made from a rolled or drawn profiled strip of stock that is separated into the individual hinge-part blanks by beam-cutting along an oblique boundary line (I) followed by parting along a parting line (II), the profiled strip of stock has a T- or Y-shaped cross section and is separated into the individual hinge-part blanks by beam-cutting along the boundary lines (I) and the parting lines (II) and is separated at that time in the region of the hinge head (7 or 8) by means of a saw cut along a parting line (III).

Abstract: An optical switch disposed in intermediate positions of optical paths to define a channel of a light signal constitutes a cell member in whose interior cells are formed and a waveguide member having fine slits; and a gas is filled in cells of which side walls are formed by piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements or antiferroelectric elements, a liquid is filled in the fine slits, and the cells and the fine slits are communicated to each other via a communicating hole; optical waveguides intersect at the fine slits, and the cells are disposed at the crossing locations, and said side walls are expanded/constricted by applying an electric field to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements or antiferroelectric elements which form the side walls of the cells, and a part of the gas stored in each cell is ejected at a corresponding intersection area from said communicating hole into the corresponding fine slit.