Abstract: A foil-covered plastic part is provided including a hot stamping foil having a foil top layer disposed on a plastic bottom layer which, in turn, is bonded to a plastic outer surface of a decorative preform at foil-receiving portions of the plastic outer surface. A hot stamping machine is operated for a time sufficient to generate a pressure and temperature sufficient to melt and combine the top surface of the at least one foil-receiving portion and the plastic bottom layer of the hot stamping foil to form the foil-covered plastic part. The at least one foil-receiving portion includes a plurality of raised design portions having top and side surfaces. The foil layer completely covers the top surfaces but not the side surfaces of the raised design portions. Preferably, the raised design portions represent graphical information.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ring that has at least one cylindrical end section that ends in a chamfer is disclosed. The process entails providing a flat-shaped article which is formed of a material capable of being deep-drawn. The flat-shaped article is stamped to provide indentations which correspond to the chamfer in the finished product. The flat-shaped article is then punched out to form a preform. The preform is then deep drawn, converting the preform into the shape of the ring. In the step of deep drawing the preform, the indentations form a chamfered section on the ring.

Abstract: A driver side inflator base for a vehicle safety system which is stamped from a thin sheet of aluminum. The base includes a central axis, a plurality of stamped concentric rings extending upwardly from a bottom of the base and spaced from the central axis. An interface attachment flange is provided for mounting the inflator, and a squib pocket extending about the central axis of the base is capable of holding a squib of the gas inflator. The concentric rings, attachment flange and squib pocket are all formed during the stamping of the base; thus, excessive machining is not required. Only minor machining is necessary to complete the base. The base of the present invention is designed to reduce the overall inflator cost, while maintaining the processing capability and quality of current bases.

Abstract: Surface relief holograms are prepared by directly impressing them into aluminum and other hard metal substrates, without the need to preheat or otherwise soften the substrate. A holographic embossing shim is prepared from a master and possesses a unique combination of surface configuration, hardness, and strength. The embossing shim can be mounted on a cylindrical support. In one embodiment, the shim is used to emboss a hardenable material, which is later hardened to form a tool.

Abstract: A clamp structure with a clamping band which can be used, for example, to fixedly secure a hose on a nipple and which includes a tightening arrangement for tightening the clamp structure about the object to be fastened and a tolerance-compensating arrangement for the entire tolerance range of the hose and nipple. The tolerance-compensating arrangement is thereby formed by a slot-like opening punched-out of the clamping band which is of such width and length that the lateral clamping band portions left on both sides of the slot-like opening provide tolerance compensation at the clamping forces specified by the customer, taking into consideration also the fact that the material of the lateral band portions is work-hardened by the punching-out operation of the tolerance-compensating opening.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a containment element for a fluid heated to a temperature exceeding 850.degree. C. A blank made of a refractory metal alloy is coated with a glass-based adhesive, at least one film made of a glass suitable for the material and the plasticity temperature of the blank is laid down on it, the blank is heated to the plastic temperature and subjected to a first stamping operation to shape the chamber of the containment element, followed by a second stamping operation to form the inner or outer flaps of the chamber. The element is then cooled, and finally, heat-treated.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a liquid ink printhead orifice plate for use in a liquid ink printhead and printer. The liquid ink orifice plate is formed of a thermal plastic resin which is stamped between an orifice plate mandrel which includes the ink carrying features and a flat mandrel. Once the orifice plate has been stamped, excess material is removed from the orifice plate to reveal ink carrying features of the stamped orifice plate. The orifice plate mandrel is formed by electroforming a mandrel on an etched silicon wafer which defines a plurality of ink carrying channels and ink reservoirs. The electroform mandrel can be made of any number of metals which includes nickel.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the assembly in abutting relationship of at least two stamped mating sheet metal parts is provided. The method includes the steps of providing bench mark indicia on each of the mating parts at a predetermined location near to the juncture of abutment of the mating parts and then subsequently, after assembly of the mating parts, comparing the relationship of the bench mark indicia of one mating part to the bench mark indicia of another mating part with a predetermined optional relationship.

Abstract: First and second stamping press lines have multiple stamping stations to serially stamp first and second parts into finished form and with bench marks reflective of the different stamping stations that also interrelate with one another to show if the stations are stamping to specifications. The marks on a part finished by the first line ideally match with the marks on a part finished by the second stamping line providing a visual indicator of quality so that the two separate parts can be permanently secured together with assurance of a quality assembly. Bench marks on separate parts that do not align or conform with one another identify stamping lines and stamping stations requiring adjustment or repair.

Abstract: Stamping dies and method for stamping parts using multiple stamping stations with different bottom markers in successive dies that mark the part being produced at selected stations with different markings related to one another, which cumulatively provide an observable completed set of marks on a part such as one finally stamped to readily show whether or not the stamping has been properly executed and to identify any stamping station or stations that is not stamping to specification.

Abstract: In order to fix a perforated plate (2) to the bottom (1) of a vessel, the plate is fixed by closed-die forging, in particular by cold striking so as to make the metal of the bottom (1) penetrate into the openings (4) in the plate (2). At the same time as the closed-die forging operation, a series of reliefs (5) is formed on the surface of the perforated plate (2) as well as on the surface of the bottom (1) of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for modifying the characteristics of a metal (2) surface (1), by application to the surface (1) of a perforated sheet (3) of another metal (4), the perforated sheet (3) having to be secured onto the surface (1) by die stamping. According to the invention the perforated sheet (3) is shaped so that each perforation (6) has a lip (5) and a lip end (7); the sheet (3) thus shaped is applied to the surface (1), the lips (5) of the perforations (6) forming protuberances directed towards the surface (1); the shaped sheet (3) is crimped by die stamping onto the surface (1), the straightening of the lips (5) and of the lip ends (7) which is associated with the flow of material (2) of the surface (1) into the perforations (6) producing a reliable anchorage of the sheet on the surface.

Abstract: The caseband (2) of the watchcase (1) comprises one or two hollows (20, 25) for receiving the end of each length of watchband. The ends of the watchband are held by attachments such as claws (30) or recesses (32, 25), matching notches (40) or protuberances (41, 42) situated near the ends of the watchband, and disposed on extensions of the back (3) of the watchcase or on intermediate parts (33, 43, 44, 50, 56) integral with the watchcase back or with the caseband. This arrangement not only facilitates the manufacture and finishing of the watchcase by eliminating any projecting elements which would interfere with production on automatic machines, but also enables the watchband attachment to be made more attractive.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes at least two corrugated strips having major flat surfaces extending angularly between opposed strip edges. The strips are offset relative to each other and joined together to define a series of cells extending between the strip edges along axes which are oriented at an angle other than normal to the strip edges. Each of the major flat surfaces includes a central depressed portion forming a matching sub-flat surface which is parallel to and connected to the major flat surface by sidewalls which may be substantially perpendicular to the major flat surface. Abutting undepressed portions of the major flat surfaces of adjacent strips and abutting sub-flat surfaces of adjacent strips are joined together so that the strips form a series of I-beams disposed one to a cell.

Abstract: A process for improved corrosion protection of a metal substrates involving organic vapor deposition of a thin film by polymerization of certain precursors onto one side of the phosphated flat metal substrate (15). Following stamping and assembly of the metal substrate, a primer and topcoat may be applied over the other side of the metal substrate. The process is particularly applicable to coil steel employed in the original manufacture of automobiles, trucks, and parts thereof.

Abstract: A support (S) includes a back (8) with integral first and second side portions (11) and (12). Sides (6) and (7) and back (8) have integral shoulder supports which are stamped in the sides and back. There are three rows (TR), (MR) and (BR) of shoulder supports in the sides and two rows (24), (25) of shoulder supports in the back of the support (S). The three rows of stamped shoulder supports in the sides (6) and (7) and the two rows in the back (8) each preferably have one shoulder support in each row, and the stamped shoulder supports in each row are vertically aligned. The two rows of shoulder supports in the back are horizontally aligned with the rows (MR) and (BR) in the sides. A grill (G) is pivotally connected to the first and second side portions (11) and (12) to hang down adjacent the back when not in use, but can be pivoted up so that continuous edge (18) thereon can be engaged with the support shoulders in the row (TR) to hold the grill horizontally in the support S.

Abstract: An improved windsurfing spreader having at least one pulley mounted thereon to rotatably engage the harness line and mounted in a manner to facilitate disengagement of the harness line from the pulley, when desired, and which is very light in weight and which is strong enough and rigid enough to withstand the stresses of windsurfing, yet which is sufficiently flexible to provide a shock-absorbing function to prevent injury to the surfer.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement has at least one electrically, cut conductor track on at least one surface of a support film, the support film being free of deformations and fluctuations in the thickness, both in the region of the conductor track covering it and outside this region. The edges of the conductor track have a projection in the form of a stamping burr. A negative circuit is applied to a stamping substrate or embossed in the latter by means of embossing dies or punching tools constituting a block; the conductor track representing the remaining positive circuit is transferred to the support film.

Abstract: A mechanical lock where a rod axially translatable through a lock housing is normally gripped by a clutch spring axially fixed to the housing, and a lever is actuated for unwinding the spring to release the rod. The lock housing is formed in a single piece by die cutting and stamping from flat sheet stock in a sequence which can be carried out in a single progressive die, to minimize the parts count and simplify assembly of the lock.

Abstract: An electric motor structure and method of assembling the same wherein such structure includes a laminated stator core with a rotor body disposed therein with a rotor shaft extending therefrom to be supported by bearing support end shield means having bearing supports tightly fastened to said stator core in a manner that resistance to bending forces is less in the laminated stator core than the resistances to bending forces of the bearing support end shield means to enhance stability and squareness of the bearing support end shield means and bearing supports of the motor assembly.

Abstract: Complementary laminations for a stator pole assembly and a cooperating rotor pole assembly of an electric motor or generator are produced simultaneously from a plate of magnetic material. The plate is stamped to produce an outer peripheral edge corresponding in shape to the exterior of an annular stator yoke and to produce a central aperture shaped to be received by an indexing element of an indexing table. The plate is then repeatedly indexed about its center in equal angular increments and a punch is displaced in a reciprocating rectilinear fashion synchronized with the indexing to punch a multiplicity of identical apertures equally-spaced circumferentially. The apertures are shaped to define internal edge surfaces in the plate corresponding in shape to radially inner surface of the stator yoke and to radially outer surfaces of a central hub of the rotor pole assembly and to define a multiplicity of identical radial webs.

Abstract: A thin edge orifice disk is defined as a disk having a thickness to main dimension or diameter ratio of at least 1:80. The manufacturing of an accurately sized orifice in the disk is accomplished by means of a progressive die. One of the stations of the die provides a coining operation on the orifice. Such coining operation is adjustable by means of a micrometer adjustment.

Abstract: Embossed holograms or diffraction patterns are formed on hard, unembossible metal substrates such as steel sheet metal. The hard metal substrate has a soft embossible metal layer such as tin formed on it, and holograms are embossed thereon by means of a surface relief, metal master. The soft metal layer must be sufficiently thick to accommodate the deepest surface relief pattern. For tinplate, the embossing can be preformed at room temperature. Among other things, the process produces tinplates and tin cans with embossed holograms.

Abstract: A process for embossing diffraction patterns and holograms directly onto surfaces of metal material, such as aluminum, and products made thereby. Temperature ranges for optimizing the embossing are disclosed, being related to the yield strength of the material being embossed. End products include household aluminum foil with embossed holograms, and aluminum beverage cans with an embossed hologram on its outside.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fistula consisting of a needle mounted on a plastic handle or wing. The plastic wings are formed by continuously extruding a plastic strip having the wing cross section. The outer end of the extruded plastic is blanked to partially shape and outline an individual wing. Thereafter, a needle is inserted into a hollow core on the endmost partially blanked wing and a needle guard is positioned over the needle. Finally, the completed fistula is removed from the end of the extruded strip by a final cut or punching for producing a finished fistula.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and a device for the production of pocket cages for roller bearings. The starting material is a cup-shaped blank or a tube, and the lateral surfaces of the cage are cut at the same time that the rolling element pockets are stamped out. In this way a work step on a separate processing machine is eliminated.

Abstract: To make vane airfoils for an axial flow compressor metal strip is first contour rolled to a cross section comprised of two opposing airfoils separated by a center rib, where one of the faces of the strip is kept planar. The rib is used to guide the strip into dies where it is notched and slotted to define individual airfoils. Next, die stamping makes concave the planar surface of each airfoil.

Abstract: The invention relates to laser sources using a semiconductor chip from which the radiation is collected by an optical fiber. In accordance with the invention there is provided a laser source in which the support for the semiconductor chip and the optical fiber is metallic. The support is stamped with an impression comprising a seat for the semiconductor chip and at least one groove for accommodating the optical fiber. The invention is applicable to radiation sources used in optical telecommunication systems.

Abstract: The method of making an adjustable circular wedge which includes the steps of deforming a flat strip of metal by embossment to form a blank having a base side and a longitudinally extending tapering bead presenting a linear wedge surface, with the bead stopping short of the ends of the strip to define flat end portions. The end portions are bent sharply away from the base side of the blank at an angle of 90 degrees. The blank is wrapped about a cylindrical mandrel so that the base side of the strip is formed into a circular inner wall and so that the presented surface of the bead becomes a spiral outer wall to define, with the inner wall, a circular wedge. The flat end portions are then secured rigidly together by welding in face-to-face engagement to form a radially extending arm on the circular wedge for adjustment purposes. It is preferred in the bending step that the bending is along bend lines which intersect the respective ends of the bead for reinforcement of the bent corners.

Abstract: A roller unit for use as a caster for luggage, for example, has a sturdy -piece roller housing formed of sheet metal, the housing comprising a rectangular base with raised pads at opposite ends thereof and a roller-receiving shell defined by a pair of opposed U-shaped walls bent from opposite longitudinal edge regions of the base between the pads. Roller units are manufactured seriatim by metal forming operations that do not require deep-drawing.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with piston assemblies made from sheet metal stampings for selective engagement with multi-disc friction devices. Each piston assembly comprises a thin wall shell stamped from sheet stock. The shells have outer and inner support shoulders adjacent to outer and inner rims onto which are pressed annular retainers that form grooves for elastomeric lip seals. In one embodiment the contact member for the piston assembly comprises a sheet metal member curved until the ends almost meet. The contact member is retained in a shell by its expansion force acting against an annular retainer wall. In a second embodiment the contact member is formed by extending the outer rim axially.

Abstract: A process for forming stepped lids for microelectronic circuit cases. A plurality of interconnected lids is etched in a metal sheet with the lids oversize. Individual lids are stamped from the sheet to the desired size, providing substantially square corners at the edge of the lid and a substantially flat rim for engagement with the case.