Abstract: There is disclosed a termination device which includes a dimensionally heat-unstable tubular member and a dimensionally heat-unstable insert. The insert is positioned within the tubular member and is in abutting relationship therewith. The termination device may further include a fusible insert or inserts which may be thermoplastic polymeric materials or solder or both. The dimensionally heat-unstable insert is recoverable and the fusible insert or inserts, if present, are meltable at a temperature used to recover the dimensionally heat-unstable tubular member.

Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite body comprises a ceramic member with a projection formed thereon and a metallic member with a depression or through hole formed therein. The ceramic member and the metallic member are bonded together by fitting the projection of the ceramic member into the depression or through hole of the metallic member. The difference between the outer diameter of the projection of the ceramic member and the inner diameter of the depression or through hole of the metallic member when the projection of the ceramic member is extracted from the depression or through hole of the metallic member is not less than 0.2% of the outer diameter of the projection of the ceramic member.

Abstract: A technique for assembling a transformer core from two separate core components uses a thermo shrinkable elastomer band or tubing in place of the more conventional glues and metallic clips to secure the component into a unitary structure. A thermo shrinkable mylar plastic tubing is placed around a periphery of a core formed by abutting two separate core components together so as to form a closed magnetic path. Application of heat shrinks the tubing and secures the two separate core components into one unitary core structure.

Abstract: A kite strut is presented. More particularly, a kite strut comprising an elongate rod having two end portions and further having at least one shrink fit stop ring disposed thereabout, said stop ring comprising an annular segment of heat shrinkable material which is shrunk into a shrink fit relationship with the elongate rod, is presented. Also presented is a method of making such kite struts.

Abstract: The tensile loading of a ceramic-metal joint, made by shrink-fit locking a cylindrical ceramic component into a flange of ferrous material in the axial direction of the ceramic component can be improved by undersizing the diameter D of the bore of the flange by 13-27 .mu.m making it, at room temperature, this much smaller than the diameter d of that part of the ceramic component to be attached to the flange by shrink-fit locking, by preparing the cylindrical surface of the said part of the ceramic component with a surface roughness Ra of 0.05-0.2 .mu.m and the surface of the bore in the flange with a roughness Ra of 0.4-0.8 .rho.m, and by heating the flange, before fitting it to the ceramic part, to a temperature such that, after fitting together the ceramic component and the flange, the resultant stresses produced on cooling the assembly to room temperature are below the yield strength R.sub.po.

Abstract: A metal-ceramic composite fitting assembly is described in which an effective connection between a boss on the ceramic member and the metal shaft member is achieved by providing the shaft with a sleeve formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal elongation comparable to that of the ceramic member, which sleeve is joined to the shaft member and cooperates with a recess therein to engage the boss along its length and to impose thereon compressive gripping forces that increase in magnitude along the length of the boss.

Abstract: A wheel disc and shaft assembly for protecting wheel discs shrink-fitted on shafts against rotation relative to the shafts includes a shaft with an outer peripheral surface at a section thereof, a wheel disc having a hub with lateral surfaces and with an inner peripheral surface with a given diameter shrink-fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, at least one of the lateral surfaces having an annular chamber formed therein defining a peripheral surface eccentric to the center of the shaft, a filling assembly fitted in the chamber and secured to the wheel disc against rotation relative to the wheel disc, the filling ring assembly having an inner peripheral surface shrink-fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, the inner peripheral surface of the filling ring assembly being axially adjacent the inner peripheral surface of the hub and having a diameter substantially equal to the given diameter, and means disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the filling ring assembly and the

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped spacer between a shaft and hub of a turbine rotor of a gas turbine engine as fabricated from a flexible resilient material and interference fitted at discrete points on either side of the transverse axis of the spacer between the shaft and spacer and between the hub and spacer to impart a twist of the spacer about this axis to remain in contact with the hub and shaft throughout its entire rotating envelope.

Abstract: A selectively preloaded coupling assembly 10 for connecting tubular members includes a tensioned annular member 12 including opposing coupling means 14, an annular recess 22 formed within the tensioned member and a tension maintaining annular member 26 seated within the annular recess.

Abstract: The end region of the fibre reinforced plastics hollow shaft (1) is clamped between an outer ring (3) and an inner ring (21) provided on the metal part (2) which is to be connected to the shaft. The two rings are clamped to the shaft wall and to one another so that there is a frictional connection between the shaft (1) and the metal part (2). The rings are clamped thermally by shrinking the rings on and into the shaft. This type of connection between a plastics shaft and a metal part is very simple and effective. (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, in which the turbocharger has a turbine wheel made in one piece from a ceramic material and having an axially extending support portion which is inserted into a hollow shaft made from a metal material. The support portion of the turbine wheel has, at an end remote from the blade portions, a portion having an increased diameter and tightly fitted to the hollow shaft. An axial first annular slit is formed between the shaft and the support portion. A radial second annular slit is formed between facing surfaces of the shaft and the turbine wheel. These first and second slits are connected to each other and work to alleviate the effects of the different heat expansion coefficients of the metal and ceramic materials on the support portion of the turbine wheel.

Abstract: A method for joining a ceramic material to a metallic material includes: forming a metallic film on the surface of the joining area of the ceramic material; irradiating the metallic film with high energy ions to allow the metallic film to stick firm to the surface of the ceramic material and to strengthen the surface of the ceramic material; and mechanically joining the ceramic material to the counterpart metallic material through the metallic film. The ceramic material subjected to these steps hardly breaks at the joining area where breaking otherwise occurs easily, thus enabling high-strength joining of ceramic and metallic materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed a termination device which includes a dimensionally heat-unstable tubular member and a dimensionally heat-unstable insert. The insert is positioned within the tubular member and is in abutting relationship therewith. The termination device may further include a fusible insert or inserts which may be thermoplastic polymeric materials or solder or both. The dimensionally heat-unstable insert is recoverable and the fusible insert or inserts, if present, are meltable at a temperature used to recover the dimensionally heat-unstable tubular member.

Abstract: A cable sleeve for covering a cable splice. An enveloping hose of heat shrinkable material is on its inside provided with a hot melt adhesive coating. A device designed cross-shaped in cross-section for support of the cable ends is inserted between the cables. The device is of hot melt adhesive whose fusion point is below that of the material of the hot melt adhesive coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rotor (70) for use in an air motor. A shaft (10) is machined to have bearing surfaces (16 and 18) and adjacent ends (12 and 14), respectively. A working surface (20) with helix grooves (22, 24 and 26) is machined into the shaft (10). A locking surface (34) is machined into the shaft between the working surface (20) and end (14). A ring (36) is machined with helix grooves (38, 40 and 42) on its periphery and an inner diameter (44). The inner diameter has a diameter less than the locking surface (34) but greater than the bearing surface (18). The ring (36) is placed on bearing surface (18) of shaft (10). The shaft (10) with ring (36) on bearing surface (18) is placed in a fixture (50) and a tension force is applied to ends (12) and 14 ). The tension force causes the shaft (10) to axially expand and radially contract.

Abstract: An extruded connector has a bifurcated edge with a generally C-shaped cross section for engaging an enlarged edge of an adjacent panel. When changing the temperature conditions surrounding the connector, the bifurcated edge contracts and clamps the enlarged edge of the panel. The structural frame member is fastened to the connector at an edge opposite the bifurcated edge for completing a strong rigid connection between the panel and the frame member.

Abstract: A shaft assembly comprises a shaft having at least one small diameter portion located on the way in the axial direction thereof, and at least one member mounted to the outer periphery of the small diameter portion of the shaft rotatably and/or movably in the axial direction. The shaft assembly is produced by first forming the member on a large diameter portion of the shaft and then moving the member from the large diameter portion to the small diameter portion. The member moved to the small diameter portion is mounted to the small diameter portion rotatably and/or movably in the axial direction by the shrinkage thereof.

Abstract: A composite piston 40 having a tapered outer sleeve 42 with a separately formed end plug 48 securely fitted into the larger diameter end of the sleeve for use in a rolling lobe airspring 20. Also a method of manufacturing the airspring 20 with a composite piston 40 in which the piston outer sleeve 42 is formed in a mold cavity using a solid inner core. The plug 48 is separately formed and then assembled into the composite piston for a rolling lobe airspring.

Abstract: An article comprising a generally axially extending outer, tubular member, a plurality of generally axially extending cylindrical members, and a heat expandable foam sealing member. The outer tubular member has at least one opening and occupies a predetermined volume. Each of the cylindrical members is received by outer tubular member in an axially extending, parallel fashion such that the cylindrical members occupy a volume that is less than the volume of the outer tubular member. The sealing member, capable of sealing the opening of outer tubular member, occupies a volume that is generally equal to the difference between the volume of the outer tubular member and the volume of the cylindrical members.

Abstract: In the formation of a crankshaft, such as used in small gasoline motors for lawn motors, chain saws and the like, separately produced crank webs, shaft pins and crank pins are used to form an integral crankshaft. Initially the various parts are shaped to the desired dimensions. The crank web can be stamped from a metal strip or it can be a forged sintered part. A shaft pin is inserted in sliding contact with an opening in a crank web and then the two parts are secured together by pressure welding. Another crank web and shaft pin are assembled in a similar manner. The two webs are then interconnected by a crankpin positioned in another opening in each of the webs and a connecting rod is installed on the crankpin.

Abstract: A disk file data disk stack assembly is clamped using a preloaded heat shrink ring that has an interference fit with the assembly hub. In addition to an inner diameter slightly smaller than the cooperating hub surface, the shrink ring has a full or extended outer cylindrical surface and a reduced area inner cylindrical surface and a reduced area axial end surface to permit effective heat transfer to the ring with minimal conductive heat transfer to the hub and clamping element to enable a differential temperature for effecting shrink ring removal when required.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler blower rotor-shaft securing hub adapted to re-secure a failed blower rotor bushing attaching to the blower rotor central shaft comprising a pair of steel straps having a half circle formed in each, said steel straps adapted to encircle and hold the central shaft in fixed relationship, and a pair of concentric half circle flanges with attached right angle brackets, said right angle brackets adapted to be attached to said central shaft securing steel straps, and said concentric half circle flanges adapted to be secured to said blower rotor bushing whereby the concentric half circle flanges secure the blower rotor bushing to the steel straps encircling the central shaft, and the steel straps secure against the central shaft whereupon the blower rotor bushing is re-secured to the central shaft.

Abstract: A gear is retained on a shaft over a reduced diameter portion of the shaft intermediate the ends thereof. An axially extending bore through the gear is received by the reduced diameter portion of the shaft, the portions of the shaft positioned outboardwardly of the gear defining axially opposed integral retention walls for axially fixing the gear on the reduced diameter portion.

Abstract: A tapered shaft retention apparatus is used with a shaft having a shoulder, a cylindrical surface, a smooth conically tapered surface, and an annular member such as an inner race of a bearing assembly mounted on the cylindrical surface. A sleeve is mounted on the shaft with an adjustment nut screwthreadably mounted thereon, and an internally tapered hub is mounted on the tapered surface in abutment with the nut with a preselected press fit. This assures the transmission of torque through the hub and positions the bearing assembly on the shaft. During assembly the hub is initially installed at an ambient temperature and the adjustment nut set at a preselected clearance therefrom, the hub is then removed and thermally expanded and reinstalled in abutment with the nut to establish the desired press fit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a recoverable article for covering objects in which two or more cover pieces are joined together to form the article. The shape and recovery ratios of the cover pieces are chosen such that the amount of recovery does not differ by more than 20% on either side of the join line. This avoids wrinkling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal-ceramic composite body having a ceramic member with a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion which are formed by providing a ceramic member with a projection and a metallic member with a recessed portion or through hole. The ceramic member and the metallic member are bonded together by inserting the small diameter portion into the recessed portion or through hole such that a space being not less than the diameter of the small diameter portion is provided between the edge surface of the metallic member on the side of the ceramic member at the bonding portion and the back surface of the large diameter portion of the ceramic member. The thickness of the edge portion of the metallic member is gradually reduced toward the ceramic member at a radius of curvature of not smaller than 0.4 times as large as the diameter of the small diameter portion. A method of producing the metal-ceramic composite body is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A shaft and an impeller assembly formed by individual blade members are connected together in an interference fitted connection. Both the shaft and impeller assembly are coated with a corrosion resistant material and the connection is created between the coated surfaces.

Abstract: A rotor disc structure is provided with a sleeve within an axial bore of a disc and mounted through a driving connection on a rotor shaft. Before being mounted on the shaft, the sleeve and bore have been plastically deformed such that the sleeve is subjected to compressive stresses. Plastic deformation is accomplished by inserting a plug, having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the disc and sleeve, into the heated sleeve and heating the assembled disc, sleeve and plug. The sleeve includes an eccentric turn which fits into a corresponding eccentric portion of the disc bore. Keying occurs at the sleeve-rotor interface to remove stress risers in the disc bore.

Abstract: A cable branch-off sealing member for use with a heat shrinkable material that is wrapped around two closely spaced parallel cables and pinched together between the cables to one side of the cables to create a loop of heat shrink material between the cables. The cable sealing member has an elongate tongue smoothly tapered at its leading end for insertion into the loop of heat shrinkable sheet material, which tongue has a width greater than the spacing between the cables to bridge between the peripheries of the cables and is bowed centrally of its width along its length to cause the two layers of heat shrink material to bow outward midway between the cables.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: A pipe cluster unit comprises a plurality of plastic pipes arranged parallel to one another and being in mutual engagement with one another along longitudinal lines of contact to form a pipe cluster and a cover layer bonded to external surface portions of the pipes. The cover layer connects adjoining pipes to one another by bridging the adjoining pipes at locations spaced from respective lines of contact between adjoining pipes.

Abstract: A branch-off between elongate substrates, such as cables, is enclosed by a recoverable sleeve. A clip is positioned over an edge portion of the conduits for the substrates. The clip comprises a tubular body having circumferentially spaced apart slits, within which the end portions of the sleeve is received.

Abstract: A method of interference-fitting either a male or female resilient member to its corresponding female or male member using a hollow mandrel cooled to preferably cryogenic temperatures which freezes a compressed resilient member to at least its glass-transition temperature. The method enables one to combine the two members before the resilient member warms to a temperature above its glass-transition temperature. The method and apparatus have found usefulness in the assembly of elastomeric high voltage electrical insulators.

Abstract: A clutch for rigid but releasable connection of two coaxial parts of construction, preferably rotating shafts, having flanges centrally arranged at their proximate shaft ends, in which torque is transmitted by a frontal spur or cog gear. Both flanges are clasped by tension sleeves by means of radially protruding collars. The axial force arises by shrinking the tension sleeves which, in a heated condition, are radially positioned on the flanges. An advantage in connection with Cardan joints is that the external diameter of the clutch is no larger than a cross joint or universal, which can transmit the same torque.

Abstract: A method of mechanically joining tubes to headers in tubular heat exchangers of a high density, high performance type. The headers are made of a heat recoverable metallic material and worked while in a martensitic state to be subsequently shrunk upon installed tubes. Procedural steps are carried out with particular regard to a header construction characterized by a multiplicity of closely spaced apart tube accommodating holes separated by relatively narrow ligaments in which working stresses are to be absorbed.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting a ceramic rotor wheel, particularly a turbine rotor wheel of a turbomachine, such as a gas turbine, to a metallic shaft. In order to obtain a primarily temperature-resistant (ceramic wheel-to-metal shaft) connection suitable for high speeds, the arrangement includes a thermal insulation ring seated on the shaft journal of a ceramic rotor wheel, on which there is mounted the tubular end portion of the metallic machine shaft, and which is then positioned on the shaft journal for positive connection through the intermediary of at least one fiber ring which is press-fitted onto the end portion of the shaft.

Abstract: The following specification discloses the use of a nickel titanium alloy component referred to as Nitinol for purposes of providing a pre-stressed structure. The alloy component provides stiffness to shell structures and tubular members such as oil well pipes, and conduits, as well as pre-stressed loadings for head bolts on engines or other pre-stressed fasteners. Pre-stressing is accomplished by deforming the Nitinol component below its transformation temperature which can be a cryogenic temperature, after which the Nitinol component returns by its memory to a desired shape for pre-stressing. The foregoing develops a large pre-load on a structural joint, so that successful design applications of Nitinol can pre-load joints with minimum load path offset for a shell or other structure. This minimizes in-plane local moments, as well as eccentric loading, and provides joints of lower weight and less internal volume protrusion.

Abstract: A method of attaching a metal shaft (10) to a ceramic shaft (12) having a first diameter (d.sub.1) is characterized by the following steps. A shaft portion (16) is formed on the ceramic shaft with a second diameter (d.sub.2) less than the first diameter. The shaft portion extends from a free end (18) thereof along a portion of the length of the ceramic shaft to a terminal end (20) thereof where the ceramic shaft has a raised portion (22) formed thereon having a third diameter (d.sub.3) less than the first diameter but greater than the second diameter. The free end of the shaft portion has threads (24) thereon. A circular shaped expansion sleeve (26) is placed on the shaft portion in an encircling relationship therewith, the expansion sleeve extending from the raised portion of the metal shaft to a location (28) adjacent a termination of the threads on the shaft portion. All of the members are cooled and then assembled with the metal shaft.

Abstract: A cable splice, branchout or termination has a heat recovered member (30) around one or more cable portions (33) extending out of an end of the member (30). The cable portion (33) is protected from physical damage and heat by placing around it individually a metal foil member (1), preferably aluminium of thickness 150-250 microns. The metal foil member is preferably coated with a hot melt adhesive (2) and a mastic (5) at distinct locations. A pressure sensitive adhesive (4) may also be provided to help secure the foil member (1) around the cable portion (33) before recovery of the outer member (30). Apertures (44) may be provided in the foil member (1) to allow passage therethrough of hot melt adhesive provided on the inner surface of the recoverable member (30).

Abstract: A hydraulic accumulator comprises two-halfs shells, the diaphragm therebetween defining two cavities. One cavity contains presssurized gas and the cavity receives hydraulic fluid under pressure. The two-half shells are held together by a mechanical element, such as a belt which has been previously prestressed to a tension selected according to the maximum pressure to which the accumulator will be subjected. The use of the prestressed mechanical element changes the dynamic stresses ordinarily found in a hydraulic accumulator to static stresses, thus minimizing the occurrence of creeks and failure of the device.

Abstract: A method of attaching a metal shaft (10) to a ceramic shaft (12) having a first diameter (d.sub.1) is characterized by the following steps. A shaft portion (16) is formed on the ceramic shaft with a second diameter (d.sub.2) less than the first diameter. The shaft portion extends from a free end (18) thereof along a portion of the length of the ceramic shaft to a terminal end (20) thereof. A circular shaped metal lock nut (22) is placed on the shaft portion in an encircling relationship therewith. This lock nut has threads (24) on an outer facing surface thereof and a back end (26) which contacts the terminal end of the shaft portion. A circular shaped expansion sleeve (28) is placed on the shaft portion in an encircling relationship therewith, the expansion sleeve extending from the metal lock nut to the free end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A wedging device comprises at least two bodies which are movable in relation to each other, namely a first body having two diverging surfaces and a second body which is displaceable relative to the first body along one of its diverging surfaces. A heat-shrinkable casing, made for example from a tape, sheet or film of polymeric material, is arranged around the movable bodies of the device. When the device is heated, the casing shrinks, causing relative displacement between the first and second bodies and a consequent change in the outer dimensions of the device.

Abstract: A method of securing a metallic gear on a metallic shaft provides an improved axial retention of the gear on the shaft in particularly severe applications, as encountered in gear pumps. The method involves plastic deformation of the annular interface regions defined at the external junctions of a gear and shaft by the application of compressive forces over same, after the gear has been secured onto the shaft by conventional methods. The preferred practice of the method first includes the steps of radially retaining the gear on the shaft via shrink fit procedures which include heating the gear, cooling the shaft, inserting the shaft into the bore of the gear, and allowing the temperatures of the gear and shaft to equalize.

Abstract: A pipe clamp for securing together the annular overlap of a pair of assembled and engaging pipes comprises a ring body snugly and concentrically overlying said pipes and contracted or swaged thereon. The ring body is mechanically interlocked with the outer pipe and the pipes are mechanically interlocked and annularly interconnected and sealed throughout 360.degree.. The method of interlocking and sealing together a pair of telescoped pipes includes assembling a ring body around the pipes at their overlap and annularly contracting or swaging the ring body onto the outer pipe. The ring body deforms both pipes forming concentric annular channels therein and a bead in the outer pipe nested within the channel of the inner pipe, the ring body being mechanically interlocked with the outer pipe.

Abstract: This invention provides novel thermochromic compositions which exhibit distinct color changes at temperatures in the range of about 165.degree. C. to about 240.degree. C. The compositions comprise basic copper carbonate and a sulfur compound. Paint formulations containing these novel thermochromic compositions or complexes of copper and sulfur-containing organic acids are also provided. The compositions are useful with heat-recoverable memory metal couplings to prevent overheating of the couplings during installation.

Abstract: A process for the production of a marker sleeve assembly which comprises deforming a substantially non-cross-linked web of polymeric material at a temperature below the crystalline melting point or softening point of the material to render the web heat-recoverable, fusing together parts of the web or parts of the web and at least one other polymeric web to define a plurality of radially inwardly heat-recoverable marker sleeves, disposed in side-by-side relationship and preferably separable and subsequently cross-linking the resulting assembly.

Abstract: A device for forming a mechanical and/or electrical connection between a plurality of elongate objects 1, 2, for example bus bars in electrical switchgear, comprises one or more inserts or shell members 9, 10 that can be positioned about the ends of the objects to form a tubular assembly extending between the objects.One or more memory metal drivers in the form of bands or rings 7, 8 may be provided for retaining the tubular assembly in position and forcing the shell portions against the objects 1, 2 so that a good electrical contact is formed. Preferably an annular protuberance or contact surface 12 is provided on the internal surface of the shell members 9, 10 at each end thereof, and are preferably arranged so as to be partly flattened as the bonds or rings 7, 8 contract, thereby increasing the contact area between the shell members and the objects 1, 2.

Abstract: A clamping member for forming a branch-off seal between a recoverable sleeve and more than one substrate extending from an end of the sleeve, comprises at least two interengageable parts that define channels. The parts are assembled on the end of the sleeve such that the clamping member defines ducts for the substrates. Use of a clamping member having interengageable parts, rather than an integral member, makes fixing at the end of the sleeve easier.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article suitable for making an electrical connection between two electrical conductors, for example an earth conductor and the outer conductor of a coaxial cable. The article comprises a first, heat-shrinkable, sleeve (1), a quantity of solder (2) positioned within the sleeve, and a second sleeve (5) an outer surface of which, together with an inner surface of the first sleeve, forms a passage for receiving the earth conductor. Stop means are provided for axial location of the earth conductor. On shrinking of the sleeve and fusing of the solder, an electrical connection can be made between an earth conductor received, in use, in the passage and the outer conductor of a coaxial cable received, in use, in the first sleeve but not in the passage.

Abstract: A connector device comprises first and second layers of substantially cross-linkable material, the first layer having inserts in contact therewith, the second layer having been expanded and thereafter formed into working and bonding zones, and the sheets being bonded together at the bonding zones for acceptance of substrates to be connected. The device is so constructed that the working zone center-to-center spacing remains constant on recovery.