Abstract: A rivet installation method creates a preload on the workpieces being joined. The rivet shank is urged to resist compression during installation while a ring on the end of the shank is compressed against the workpieces. Withdrawing the compression releases the shank to provide the preload.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for securing the solenoid of an electric engine starter to an aluminum starter housing. The solenoid has a steel casing formed with a plurality of outer circumferentially spaced radially extending cylindrical bores. The portion of the casing that has the bores is located within a tubular portion of the aluminum starter housing. Portions of the material of the housing, that overlie the bores, is flowed into the bores by a tool that is moved in a generally conical path and which is capable of rotating about its own longitudinal axis. The material that is flowed into the bores secures the solenoid to the starter housing.

Abstract: In a method for crimping a tube end plate of a heat exchanger on a header box, there is provided a peripheral upright edge for enclosing an extra thickness defined by the header box. Portion of the upright edge of the tube end plate which has to extend, when assembled, at least in part above a flange of the header box is stiffened. The stiffened portion of the upright edge of the tube end plate is folded at least partly back onto the flange of the header box.

Abstract: A leakproof joint construction for a pair of members disposed in abutting relation and method and apparatus for making the same are provided, the leakproof joint construction having part of one of the members deformed into an adjacent part of the other of the members so that the parts of the members are disposed completely beyond the plane of the outer surface of the other member while respectively being integrally interconnected to the remainder of the members by tubular portions of the members. The parts are interlocked together by an outward staking of the part of the one member into the tubular portion of the other member by a compaction of the parts, the parts and the tubular portions of the members respectively defining like polygonal configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element, in particular one intended for the fastening of installation pipes or cables on a wall or ceiling, having an optionally longitudinally divided stem provided with spreaders on the stem surface for a positive connection with the wall of a bore hole; according to the invention, the spreaders are formed as eccentrics (2, 2', 2", 2"') whose centers of rotation or axes of rotation (6) are positioned in the zone of the stem surface (1) and whose eccentric faces (3), whose distances from the centers of rotation or axes of rotation (6) increase in rotating direction on pulling the fastening element out of the bore hole, face away from the stem surface (1).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for an angular connection of the end of a tube with one (or more) sheet metal element(s), quickly and reliably.The forward portion of a tubular shape (1) is contracted by force-fitting in a ring (2) whose outside dimensions are approximately equal to those of the opening (4) and the inside dimensions, less than the initial outside dimensions of the tubular shape, and whose rear end (6) is flush with the rear face (7) of the sheet metal (3), this ring (2) being compressed on the thickness of the sheet metal (3) between the tubular shape (1) and the opening (4) in the sheet metal, while the end (10) of the tubular shape is flanged outward in a corolla on the rear face (7) of the sheet metal element.This process can be used in particular to attach rungs to side rails of a ladder or rods to rails of guard railings and also for making scaffolding or tube exchangers.

Abstract: In a steering column for a motor vehicle steering mechanism, a tubular first member and a second member are arranged in coaxial and partly coextensive relation. The second member fits into the first member. At least the first member is deformed transversely of the axial direction into gripping surface contact with the second member so that the two members rotate as a unit about their co-axes when the steering column is turned without any axial movement between them up to a given level of applied axial force. Above the given level the members can telescope one into the other in the event of a collision.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a buckle assembly suitable for use in a vehicle seat belt. The buckle assembly includes a clinched anchor block fixed on a wire and having an interlocking portion projecting downwardly therefrom, a buckle base having a bottom wall defining a matching interlocking portion, which is in engagement with the interlocking portion of the anchor block, and a pair of side walls extending downwardly from the bottom wall. The anchor block is connected directly to both of the side walls of the buckle base. The interlocking portion of the anchor block is press-fit in the matching interlocking portion in the bottom wall of the buckle base. The clinch force of the anchor block against the wire is thus not reduced by the fixing work of the anchor block to the buckle base.

Abstract: A rotation-preventing/thrust-bearing device for use in an orbiting-member fluid displacement apparatus is disclosed. The rotation-preventing/thrust-bearing device includes a discrete fixed portion, a discrete orbital portion and bearing elements. The fixed portion includes a fixed race and ring placed in a groove in an inner surface of the housing. The fixed race and ring are attached to the housing by pins, and the inner peripheral edge of the groove is caulked to the fixed ring. The orbital portion includes an orbital race and ring placed in a groove in an end plate of the orbiting member. The orbital race and ring are attached to the end plate of the orbiting member by pins, and the outer peripheral edge of the groove in the end plate is caulked to the orbital ring. A plurality of pockets are formed axially in the rings toward the respective races. The pockets of the rings face one another in generally aligned pairs.

Abstract: A sucker rod assembly is disclosed for use in oil well pumping apparatus. The assembly comprises a rod with roll-formed threads on the end thereof and a rod-end fitting with a threaded socket for receiving the threaded rod. An unthreaded portion on the outer end of the socket is extruded into surface engagement with the unthreaded surface of the rod to seal and mechanically interlock the rod and fitting.

Abstract: A connection for securing a tank to a header plate in a heat exchanger. A metal header plate is provided with a peripheral groove having a bottom wall and an upstanding side wall. A compressible gasket is received in the groove in a plastic tank as a flange disposed in the groove to compress the gasket. A plurality of tabs are deformed from the side wall to overlie a side of the flange. The tabs are generally egg-shaped or spherical and have free edges engaging the flange to provide excellent resistance to deformation.

Abstract: A torque tube employing end members interconnected by a tubular member. The end members are provided with a male extension having radially spaced, axially extending grooves, the number of grooves, outer diameter of the end member, groove width and groove length being in prescribed proportions and ratios. The ends of the tubular member are positioned over the male end member extensions and the tube walls are conformed to the end member and grooves electromagnetically so that the tube walls are recessed into the grooves.

Abstract: A multistrand cable, especially one with several steel strands forming a central core and with a surrounding sheath consisting of a larger number of outer strands of aluminum or the like, is embraced by a deformable sleeve with a bore of generally polygonal cross-section radially constricted therearound to serve as an anchor or a connector. The sides of the polygon, defining flat or curved faces in contact with the sheath, are separated by longitudinal incisions whereby these faces approach one another under the constrictive stresses in order to exert a firm grip on the inner strands through the intermediary of the outer strands.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating and assembling a sewing machine hook shaft and hook body by which the required critically accurate shapes may be attained in a particularly cost effective manner.

Abstract: A float stopper is attached to the free end of a thermoplastic switch case constituting part of a liquid level sensor by forming the free end of the switch case into a hollow, cylindrically shaped projection, fitting the float stopper over the projection through a hole formed in the stopper and, forcibly inserting a caulking tool, heated to a temperature which is lower than the melting point of the thermoplastic material constituting the switch case, into the cylindrically shaped projection to soften and spread the projection until its outer surface abuts against the rim of the hole formed in the float stopper. Upon curing the spread portion of the caulking projection holds the float stopper rigidly in place with excellent mechanical strength.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved apparatus for joining a plurality of pieces of sheet metal by first drawing and then laterally extruding the material to be joined into an enlarged shape which will permanently mechanically interlock the pieces. The apparatus utilizes a novel die construction in which portions thereof pivot laterally in response to lateral extrusion of the joining material, and is applicable to conventional "lanced" type joints as well as to a novel leakproof joint which is also disclosed. A method of forming a leakproof joint between a plurality of pieces of sheet metal is also disclosed.

Abstract: This window glass raising arm comprises a ribbed link of thin sheet metal having an end portion which is formed over onto a conical base of a roller which is in one piece with the base and of plastics material. This provides a simple and cheap assembly which is nonetheless suitably efficient.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a hand calculator utilizing die press punching to form its three parts. A circular stationary base plate is punched with a central, circular, raised, beveled portion which is then rigidly fixed to a circular stationary top plate by means of flared eyelets. Between these two parts a circular movable scale plate is movably inserted. The scale is etched with scales, and punched with a plurality of holes about its periphery to allow for pencil point movement.

Abstract: The self-locking threaded bearing is an externally threaded tubular member having a discontinuous thread to form thread sections which are spaced-apart axially on the bearing. In the bearing assembly, the thread sections engage portions of an internal thread in a bore of a housing for the bearing and, with the internal thread being more ductile than the thread sections of the bearing, portions of the internal thread are stripped to pack into the space between the thread sections and assist in locking the bearing into the housing.In the method of making the self-locking threaded bearing assembly, a tubular bearing is provided with a discontinuous external thread and a housing is formed with a bore having an internal thread of the same pitch as the external thread of the bearing and of material more ductile than that of the external thread.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fixing an annular element onto a shaft. The shaft may be a camshaft and the annular element may be a cam piece or a journal piece used in an automobile. The annular element is fixed onto the shaft by: engaging an axially extending projection of the element with an axially extending groove of the shaft so as to prevent a relative rotating motion; deforming an outer wall of the shaft adjacent to said groove at two positions near the terminating ends of the projection so that the outer wall protrudes into the groove, thereby fixing the element onto the shaft.

Abstract: In illustrative embodiments a method has been shown for manufacturing a piston rod unit. The piston rod unit includes a metallic tube shaped piston rod member defining a cavity therein and at least one terminal member having a fastening pin fastened within a respective end portion of the cavity. The fastening pin is provided with an outer diameter which is larger than the initial inner diameter of the piston rod member. This fastening pin is pressed into an end portion of the cavity so as to radially expand the piston rod member along at least a part of the end portion to an expanded outer diameter larger than the initial outer diameter of the tubular piston rod member. Hereupon the piston rod member is radially compressed by hammering within the area of the expanded outer diameter until the initial outer diameter is substantially reestablished.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a pair of rotatable driving and driven members adapted to be electromagnetically coupled together and uncoupled from each other. At least one of the driving and driven members comprises a pair of concentric annular members both made of magnetizable material and having opposed and radially spaced peripheral surfaces in which annular grooves are formed, respectively. An annular bond member of a non-magnetizable material is swaged into the annular space between the annular magnetizable members and thus into the annular grooves to mechanically connect the magnetizable members as well as to magnetically disconnect them from each other.

Abstract: A shelving system (10) includes diagonal braces (46) which extend between posts (12) and cross members (36) which transversely interconnect the posts (12). The lower end portion (50) of brace (46) is formed in the shape of a hook to extend through a slot (18) and engage with post face wall (20). Brace (46) also includes an elongate, planer intermediate portion (48) and an upper end portion (58) extending transversely to intermediate portion (48) to extend through a diagonal slot (56) formed in cross member (36). Brace upper end portion (54) includes a transverse tab (60) which can be bent over once end portion (54) is inserted through slot (56) to thereby securely lock brace (46) engaged with cross member (36).

Abstract: A clamping connection for clamping two parts together. One part includes a flange and the other includes a deformable edge. When the parts are in their clamped condition, the edge has been deformed into a continuously corrugated configuration including alternate deformed and undeformed partial areas. The deformed partial areas positively and lockingly engage the flange when the flange and edge are in the locked condition. Thus, a positive joint is formed. The undeformed partial areas of the edge contribute to stiffening the clamping connection.

Abstract: An improved stay includes an aluminum rod member. A terminal fitting located at each end of the rod member connects the rod member with the sailboat. The connection between the rod member and the terminal fitting is made by deforming a stainless steel sleeve member into the aluminum forestay rod member. The sleeve member is provided with internal grooves or recesses. The sleeve member is deformed radially inward and cold forms the aluminum into tight engagement with the grooves. The stay may be used as a forestay. In this case, the rod member has an axially extending slot in which the bead of a sail is received. Further the terminal fittings may include a swivel which permits the rod member to be rotated to furl the sail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling two metallic members such as a shaft and a disc. The method includes forming an annular groove on a joint face or outer circumference of the metallic member having greater deformation resistance of the two members, for example, forming uneven portions on the bottom of the groove by knurling or the like. Working the other metallic member, for example, the disc; having smaller deformation resistance near its joint face so that the joint face opposing that of the other causes plastic deformation. Causing a part of the disc to fluidize and flow into the groove, thereby coupling both metallic members together.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting a plastic-covered drive wire to a slider in a passive vehicle occupant restraint belt system comprises an uncovered segment of the core at the end of the drive wire, a pressed-on coupling ring affixed to the uncovered segment and a coupling sleeve on the slider that is pressed onto the coupling ring and onto a portion of the drive wire covering adjacent the uncovered segment. Damaging concentrated bending stresses in the drive wire core adjacent the coupling ring are eliminated due to support of the core by the covering portion within the sleeve.

Abstract: A cable-type tire chain comprises side members adapted to extend circumferentially around opposite side walls of a tire and cross members connected between the side members so as to extend over and across the tire tread, the cross members carrying traction means in the form of traction sleeves. A low profile articulated connection is provided between each end of each cross member and one of the side members, the connection comprising one connector element crimped on the cross member and another connector element crimped on the side member. One connector element has a T-shaped head and the other element has a bent-over tab with an opening through which the head is inserted. When the tab is flattened the head is trapped in the other connector element. The connection allows for hinging movement of a cross member both laterally and circumferentially of a tire.

Abstract: A protective flexible trim molding strip for attachment to an automotive body fascia panel. A plurality of metal gromments, each in the form of an eyelet tubular sleeve, having their outer circular head flanges cemented in a recess on the back of the molding strip. A retaining metal disc is received on each sleeve free end by means of a centrally located hole of a predetermined diameter for close contact with the sleeve outer diameter. The sleeve free end is compressed by a suitable tool applying a transverse pinching force. This force laterally expands the sleeve providing a bulbous portion capturing the disc to retain the plastic strip on body panels of varying thickness while obviating dimpling of the strip.

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel method and system for crimping an elongated malleable metal connector onto two cables or the like and deforming the connector so that in its final crimped condition it is of generally a semi-cruciform/semi-circular shape in transverse cross-section with offset tap cable lodgment.

Abstract: A coupling process of two metallic members in which a first member to-be-coupled and a second member to-be-coupled are coupled by non-elastically deforming a coupling member. The steps comprise forming a concave portion having an inclined plane on a coupling face of each member to-be-coupled, arranging the members to-be-coupled to make a space therebetween, interposing the coupling member in the space, and applying pressure on the coupling member by using a metal mould to satisfy the following extent:0.ltoreq.S.ltoreq.b3/4bwherein S is the length of rubbing surface of the members to-be-coupled with the coupling member, and b is the distance between the first and second members to-be-coupled.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a pair of rotatable driving and driven members adapted to be electromagnetically coupled together and uncoupled from each other. At least one of the driving and driven members comprises a pair of concentric annular members both made of a magnetizable material and having opposed and radially spaced peripheral surfaces in which annular grooves are formed, respectively. An annular bond member of a non-magnetizable material is swaged into the annular space between the annular magnetizable members and thus into the annular grooves to mechanically connect the magnetizable members as well as to magnetically disconnect them from each other.

Abstract: A method of producing pneumatic brake actuator rods in which a spigot is provided at one end for mounting a pressure plate and a thread is provided on the output end, the body of the rod around the root of the spigot being under cut and thereafter upset by roll-swaging or other means to produce a flange for supporting the rod against the pressure plate so that the rod can be of generally substantially reduced diameter in relation to that used for many years hitherto.

Abstract: An improved stay includes an aluminum rod member. A terminal fitting located at each end of the rod member connects the rod member with the sailboat. The connection between the rod member and the terminal fitting is made by deforming a stainless steel sleeve member into the aluminum forestay rod member. The sleeve member is provided with internal grooves or recesses. The sleeve member is deformed radially inward and cold forms the aluminum into tight engagement with the grooves. The stay may be used as a forestay. In this case, the rod member has an axially extending slot in which the bead of a sail is received. Further the terminal fittings may include a swivel which permits the rod member to be rotated to furl the sail.

Abstract: A method for connecting two members to be connected comprises following steps. At first, a circumferential groove is formed on the connecting surfaces of the members to be connected. Secondly, axial recesses are formed on the inner surface of the groove. Thirdly, a connecting member is placed between the members to be connected. The connecting member is made of a material which has a smaller resistance against deformation than the members to be connected has and which has a required mechanical strength. Lastly, the connecting member is pressed and plastically deformed, resulting in that the connecting member flows into the groove and the recesses.

Abstract: A tube-to-plate connection includes a plate defining an aperture where the tube is to be attached to the plate, the portion of the plate surrounding the aperture including a flange extending away from the plane of the plate and providing, at its distal extent, a lip which projects radially inwardly toward the axis of the aperture. The end of the tube lies generally against the lip to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally further through the plate. The flange includes an opening for receiving a radially deformed portion of the tube side wall adjacent the end of the tube to prevent rotation of the tube in the plate. The flange and tube end include portions adjacent the lip which are flared to prevent movement of the tube longitudinally out of engagement with the plate.

Abstract: A rivet for joining fiber reinforced plastic laminates has an alloy of titanium columbium. The rivet is semi-tubular in shape. The tubular portion is shaped with an outwardly tapered inner wall to provide for expansion of the tubular section without expanding the balance of the shank.

Abstract: A metal ladder is fabricated from a pair of spaced rails in which the rails have web portions which are provided at spaced intervals with inwardly directed embossments. Each of these embossments has an opening into which one end of a tubular rung is inserted and swaged to the rail. The embossments act as ribs to carry the load toward the flanges constituting the stiffer portions of the rail thereby increasing the strength and effectively reducing the web flexure and angle changes between the rungs and the rails, due to sideward forces in ladder use. By reason of the built in stiffness web thickness may be reduced resulting in savings in materials. Additionally, intermediate these embossments, just described, the web portion of each rail is formed with one or more outwardly directed embossments.

Abstract: A drive shaft of a fan coupling assembly includes a shaft member fixedly connected with a fan drive rotor, and a flange member fixedly connected with a fan pulley. The two members are separately formed into their predetermined configurations. The shaft member has a securing portion and a flange coaxially formed at one end thereof, while the flange member has a central bore including a plurality of radially outwardly recessed portions. After the flange member is fitted on the shaft member through the central bore thereof, the two members are fixedly secured to each other by a securing member, whereby an integral flanged shaft may be obtained.

Abstract: A round disk having a central aperture therein, such as the base of a shotgun shell or a facsimile thereof is utilized in the fabrication of a fastener, and a tubular member such as the sleeve of a primer is positioned through the aperture and formed into a fastening member. When an actual shotgun shell is utilized, the base is separated from the remainder of the shell, and the inner end of the shell primer is utilized to retain an external member which sandwiches a sheet of material such as fabric, leather or the like, therebetween. The shotgun shell type fastener may be utilized as a button, snap, decorative attachment or the like.

Abstract: Two sheets of deformable material are securely fastened together without the use of adhesives, separate rivets or fasteners by forming a closed end cylindrical projection on the upper surface of the first sheet, placing the second sheet having an aperture over the first sheet, the aperture receiving the projection, and deforming the projection in the aperture to produce a tight friction fit and form a lip which overlaps the exterior rim of the aperture to limit its enlargement. In a preferred embodiment two plates are fastened together to form a rotor by striking the projection with a die having an annular groove forcing one part of the projection into the aperture and forming another part of the projection into the lip.

Abstract: Transportation apparatus for transporting persons between spaced landings, including a conveyor mounted on a supporting structure, and first and second spaced skirts disposed on opposite sides of the conveyor which are formed of aligned skirt sections. The skirt sections of each skirt are interconnected via expandable splice assemblies which align the interconnected skirt sections, both laterally and vertically, and also lock them in end-to-end relation.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical metallic member of hardened steel, especially a race for a journal bearing, is fitted into or around a supporting element of relatively deformable metal, such as structural steel, having a face perpendicular to the cylinder axis. The hardened metallic member has a peripheral groove into which some of the material of the supporting element is extruded by indenting the perpendicular face, preferably by a circular array of notches.

Abstract: A lug-and-hole connection between a first, lug-bearing sheet metal element and a second, apertured sheet metal element is made by so forming the hole in the first element that it is bounded by out-turned, opposite, convergent wall portions spaced apart, at the narrowest distance between them, by a distance slightly less than the lug thickness. The hole is made without removing material from the first element, as by forcing through it the wedge-shaped tip of a chisel-like punch while backing that element with a flat-topped die having cylindrical cavity. After the lug is inserted into the hole, a tip portion of the lug, which projects beyond the wall portions, is swaged to form it into a rivet-like head that snugly overlies the outer edges of the wall portions, but the wall portions are not reworked in the head forming operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a non-releasable connection of a component with a shaft protruding into a continuous bore of the component, wherein the bore possesses two bore edges and an inner profile by means of which the shaft is secured against rotation. At one bore edge there bears a shoulder and at the other bore edge a flange of the shaft. The shoulder and flange are formed of one piece with the shaft and conjointly secure the shaft in both directions against axial displacement. In order to form the flange of the shaft by means of cold impact or press forming there is provided a punch possessing a ring-shaped rib at its end face.The non-releasable connection fabricated with such apparatus is manifested by the features that the component is formed by at least one fork-type joint which is secured at an end of a shaft for steering a vehicle.

Abstract: A support system and method for supporting parallel tubes. A looped tube support clamp comprising a channel base with scalloped arcuate passages for tube support, the sides of the passages forming upright tabs containing a slotted hole suitable for the passage therethrough of a tapered forming tool causing a clamping action to result on the tubes adjacent the looped tab.

Abstract: A chain shackle has a pin thereon for mounting the shackle on a hanger. The pin extends across the ears of the shackle and is permanently connected thereby by flaring a pair of fingers at one end of the pin into enlarged pockets formed in the bore of the ear through which the pin passes.

Abstract: A metallic rod end is fixedly secured to a relatively softer metallic tube by providing imprinted screw threads on the rod free end. Then grooves are imprinted in the screw threads and to a depth not greater than that of the minor diameter of the screw threads and with the grooves extending axially of the rod end. The tube is provided with a threaded bore mating the screw threads on the rod end. The threads in the threaded bore are provided by imprinting and the entrance portion thereto has a diameter substantially equal to the major diameter of the screw threads. After threading the rod into the tube until the grooves are aligned with the entrance portion, then the tube is swaged causing flow of metal from the tube to the rod end and into the grooves therein. This first rod end may be provided with an internally threaded bore so as to function as an insert between the metallic tube and a second externally threaded rod end.

Abstract: A metal door frame is fabricated in the field by interfitting channel cross pieces in channel uprights and curling prepunched tongues in the uprights through openings in the cross pieces to square-up and to secure the cross pieces to the uprights.

Abstract: The interior passageway formed at the central axis of a bundle of at least three cylindrical elements which are drawn together within a contractable outer member serves to maintain the ends of optical fibers or the like in accurate axial alignment to provide a splice joint or connection thereat.